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Abstract

Background: Integrating experiential therapy techniques with physical activity and nature improves aspects of self-concept: social connectedness, resilience, and healthy coping skills in the short-term for at-risk, underperforming youth (Kraft & Cornelius-White, 2020). Kraft and Cornelius-White (2020) found that wilderness therapy counselors that taught communication skills and prioritized “group cohesion in group therapy” led to positive “changes to self-concept” (p. 350-351). Purpose: The researchers hypothesize that community-based adventure therapy will have a positive impact on the self-concept in at-risk, rural youth. Methodology/Approach: The researchers utilized a quasi-experimental model to assess the impact of adventure therapy on rural at-risk youth (N~6) after a one-day, immersive intervention in comparison with a control group. Using the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale, 3rd ed., the researchers analyzed the data from the respondents to conduct a comparison of the whole and subcategory means from each group, looking for statistically significant findings (Piers et al., 2018). Findings/Conclusions: After thorough data analysis, the researchers concluded that most scales of self-concept were not statistically significant, but the freedom from anxiety and social acceptance scales had a notable change. Limitations: Being this was a small pilot study, using a one-day immersion therapy, the researchers suggest extending the therapy into a few days and increasing the sample size with varying age groups of participants. Furthermore, researchers propose future studies utilize a true experimental model.

Reference

Kraft, M. & Cornelius-White, J. (2020). Adolescent experiences in wilderness therapy: a systematic review of qualitative studies. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 15(3), 343-352.

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