Characteristics of Adventure Programs Valued by Adolescents in Treatment

Authors

  • Jeffrey P. Witman

Keywords:

Outdoor Recreation, Adventure Programs, Adolescents, Mental Illness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine what characteristics of adventure programs were valued by adolescents in treatment. Subjects ofthe study included 11 experts in the field of adventure programming and 207 participants in adventure programs at 12 adolescent treatment programs. The experts, through a modified Delphi process, identified valued program characteristics. Program participants indicated their agreement with these items through a questionnaire administered at the conclusion of their program involvement. Participants and experts were significantly in agreement regarding valued characteristics (rs = .55, p < .01) though participants did appear, in contrast to the experts, to value items related to "process" more highly than items related to "content." "Helping/assisting others" was the characteristic most supported by participants. Gender and age were significantly related to perceptions of value for several characteristics. Implications of the study for research include the need to further specify findings and to relate them to outcomes. In regard to practice the study supports that "process," not just "content," needs to be considered in staff training and program implementation.

Issue

Section

Research Papers