ERIC Number: EJ1091483
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Wilderness Therapy: Utilizing an Integrated Care Approach
Tucker, Anita; Norton, Christine Lynn; DeMille, Steven M.; Hobson, Jessalyn
Journal of Experiential Education, v39 n1 p15-30 Mar 2016
With roots in experiential education and Outward Bound, wilderness therapy (WT) is a growing field of mental health care for youth. WT uses outdoor modalities combined with therapeutic interventions to assist youth to promote clinical changes. Previous research has shown it to be effective in improving the mental health of clients; however, little research has looked at the impact of WT on physical outcomes as well. This study examined changes in the body composition and mental health outcomes of adolescents participating in one WT program. On average, youth in the sample moved to a more healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) or were able to maintain at a healthy level. Youth also experienced significant improvements in their mental health functioning. Given the adolescent obesity crisis along with adolescent female challenges with body image, these results show that WT could be a promising intervention for youth struggling with these issues.
Descriptors: Experiential Learning, Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Physical Environment, Therapy, Intervention, Mental Health, Physical Health, Adolescents, Youth Programs, Body Composition, Obesity, Gender Differences, Self Concept, Program Effectiveness, Outcomes of Education, Physical Activities, Recreational Activities, Questionnaires, Pretests Posttests, Statistical Analysis, Scores
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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