ERIC Number: EJ740923
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 20
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
The Role of Physical Exercise in Wilderness Therapy for Troubled Adolescent Women
Caulkins, Michael C.; White, Dave D.; Russell, Keith C.
Journal of Experiential Education, v29 n1 p18-37 Sum 2006
This study explores the impacts of backpacking as a therapeutic process for troubled adolescent women participating in wilderness therapy. A qualitative case study approach was used to investigate the experience of six adolescent women and three female wilderness instructors at an established wilderness therapy program. Data were collected through participant observation, client psychological profiles, and semi-structured interviews. Research explored the emotional, cognitive, and physical impacts attributed to the backpacking component of the therapeutic process and the relationships between these impacts. Results revealed eight central impacts of backpacking, each of which fell into categories differentiated by dimensions of temporality, intensity, and clarity. A conceptual model captures the flow of the backpacking process and offers insight into this specific therapeutic element of wilderness therapy.
Descriptors: At Risk Persons, Outcomes of Treatment, Outdoor Education, Emotional Response, Program Effectiveness, Therapy, Females, Participant Observation, Exercise, Physical Environment, Adolescents, Case Studies, Interviews, Physical Activities
Association for Experiential Education. 3775 Iris Avenue, Suite 4, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 866-522-8337; Fax: 303-440-9581; e-mail: publications@aee.org; Web site: http://www.aee.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A