A Profile of Outdoor Adventure Interventions for Young People in Australia

In this study, we describe characteristics of outdoor adventure interventions (OAIs) that aim to address problem behaviors in young people in Australia. A national online survey was completed by 98 program leaders and 24 program managers. OAIs for youth in Australia are diverse, but typically incorp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of outdoor recreation, education, and leadership education, and leadership, 2016-03, Vol.8 (1), p.26
Main Authors: Bowen, Daniel J, Neill, James T, Williams, Ian R, Mak, Anita S, Allen, Nicholas B, Olsson, Craig A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Adventure Education
Australia
Behavior Problems
Care and treatment
Foreign Countries
Intervention
Late Adolescents
Methods
National Surveys
Outdoor Education
Outdoor recreation
Preadolescents
Recreational therapy
Statistical Analysis
Therapy
Young adults
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Summary:In this study, we describe characteristics of outdoor adventure interventions (OAIs) that aim to address problem behaviors in young people in Australia. A national online survey was completed by 98 program leaders and 24 program managers. OAIs for youth in Australia are diverse, but typically incorporate several days in the outdoors, during which participants engage in adventure activities and group activities requiring teamwork, with intentional involvement of program leaders. The main outcomes, as perceived by staff, were recreation and personal and social development. OAIs appear to be well positioned to make a unique and valuable contribution to the development of young people, addressing their behavior problems and potentially supporting prevention and treatment of mental health problems. A more targeted, sector-wide study of adventure therapy programs in Australia is recommended to qualify and extend on the findings of this study.
ISSN:1948-5123
1948-5123
DOI:10.18666/JOREL-2016-V8-I1-7281