ERIC Number: EJ1375323
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: EISSN-2169-009X
Effects of an Eight-Week Wilderness Adventure Program on Body Composition and Mental Health of Adolescents
Widmer, Matthew A.; LeCheminant, James D.; Widmer, Mark A.; Christensen, William
Journal of Experiential Education, v46 n2 p141-160 Jun 2023
Background: Little is known about the effects of outdoor behavioral healthcare on participants' body composition or about the relationship between body changes and indicators of mental health. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to compare body and mental health changes in adolescents in an 8-week adventure therapy program. Methodology/Approach: In this observational study, we analyzed pre- and posttest weight, body composition, and psychological dysfunction in male and female adolescent participants (N = 112) in an adventure therapy program. Body composition variables were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Psychological dysfunction was measured using the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ). We also analyzed the relationship between body changes and changes in YOQ scores. Findings/Conclusions: Overall, from entry into the program (pre) to time of discharge (post), body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage significantly decreased (ps [less than or equal to] 0.0014). Likewise, all YOQ variables significantly improved (scores reduced) over the course of the study (ps [less than or equal to] 0.0003). Changes in body composition and YOQ score were not associated. Implications: Adolescent participation in adventure therapy is significantly associated with improvements in BMI, body weight and composition, and psychological dysfunction. However, changes in body composition and psychological dysfunction do not appear to be associated.
Descriptors: Adventure Education, Program Effectiveness, Body Composition, Mental Health, Adolescents, Counseling Techniques
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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