OTHER RESEARCH

Harper, N. & Cooley, R. (2007).  Parental reports of adolescent and family well-being following a wilderness therapy intervention: An exploratory look at systemic change.  Journal of Experiential Education, 29(3), 393-396.
In a longitudinal study conducted in 2001 that involved 252 adolescents participating in a 21 day wilderness therapy program for treatment of emotional and behavioral problems, as well as substance use issues, results showed major improvements in areas such as parent-child communication, anger management, and substance use.  In the 12 month follow-up after the adolescents had completed the course scores showed improvements had been maintained.

Larson, B. (2007).  Adventure camp programs, self-concept, and their effects on behavioral problem adolescents. Journal of Experiential Education, 29(3), 313-330.
In this 2007 study, Larson involves 61 adolescents that are 9-17 years old that participate in an adventure camp.  The results of the study were mixed with more progress being made by the younger adolescents in the sample.  Larson included a meta-analysis of other studies that lend evidence to the importance of challenge/initiative adventure-based counseling when working with adolescents in order to get more favorable results.

Paxton, T., & McAvoy, L. (2000).  Social psychological benefits of a wilderness adventure program. USDA Forest Service Proceedings, 15(3), 202-206.
This study focused on the lasting effects a wilderness adventure program can have on an individual’s confidence and self-efficacy.  The results of the study showed participants experienced large increases in both self-efficacy and confidence.  The participants in this study also often had a new found appreciation and respect for nature.

Russell, K. C. (1999). Theoretical basis, process, and reported outcomes of wilderness therapy as an intervention and treatment for problem behavior in adolescents. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, College of Natural Resources, Moscow, ID 83844-1144.
This major 1999 study covers four different wilderness therapy programs involving various therapeutic models and the outcomes they produce.  It includes the basic guide for each model for therapeutic change and the theories that support them.

Russell, K. (2005).  Two years later: A qualitative assessment of youth well-being and the role of aftercare in outdoor behavioral healthcare treatment. Child and Youth Care Forum, 34(3), 209-239.
This longitudinal study focuses on the importance of aftercare planning for adolescents that participate in wilderness therapy.  The results of the study were favorable to the effectiveness of wilderness therapy programs, however long-term results showed aftercare planning to be critical.

Russell, K. (Fall 2001). What is wilderness therapy?  The Journal of Experiential Education,  24(2), 70-79.
This is an article discussing the general aspects of wilderness therapy and the variety of definitions used to define it.  Russell explores what makes wilderness therapy different from other types of treatment programs and what might constitute a quality wilderness therapy program.

Russell, K. (2003). An assessment of outcomes in outdoor behavioral healthcare treatment. Child & Youth Care Forum.  32(6), 355-381.
A 2000 study involving 523 clients and 372 parents examined the overall well-being of the client using a self-report questionnaire and a parent questionnaire before and after participating in a wilderness therapy program.  The questionnaire evaluated symptoms linked to: interpersonal distress, somatic, interpersonal relations, critical items, social problems, and behavioral dysfunction.  Results of the study reveals that the adolescents experienced a significant reduction in symptoms between pre-test and post-test data.

Russell, K., & Phillips-Miller, D. (2002). Perspectives on the wilderness therapy process and its relation to outcome. Child and Youth Care Forum, 31(6), 415-437.
A study in 2002 examined the process of wilderness therapy by following 12 clients that participated in one of four programs using wilderness therapy.  The results of this study support that wilderness therapy is often a natural catalyst for self reflection, and creates an intense peer culture.  The clients in this study cited the importance of building a therapeutic alliance with wilderness therapy staff in effecting positive change.