Case studies evaluating the efficacy of wilderness camps
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Abstract
Limited studies have explored the overall efficacy of wilderness camps for adolescents. In the present study, six treatment goals and de-escalation tactics were scrutinized to examine four wilderness programs. My hypotheses included: (1) programs would be beneficial at improving self-growth, (2) programs would be beneficial at providing long-term outcomes, (3) there would not be a large effect on family functioning, and (4) programs that use adolescent transportation, seclusion and/or restraint practices, would have negative survivor testimonies. Data on individual programs were founds from new sources, court records, survivor statements, and other documents. Findings included improvements in self-growth and long-term outcomes; however, transportation, seclusion, and restraint did effect survivors’ attitudes toward treatment. These findings have implications for examining other benefits and risks in OBH programs.