TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring Post-program Psychological Adjustment for Adult Staff Facilitating a Wilderness Adventure Program
AU - Lawrence-Wood, Eleanor
AU - Raymond, Ivan
PY - 2011/5/1
Y1 - 2011/5/1
N2 - This paper outlines a pilot study of the post-program psychological adjustment outcomes of adult staff facilitating an Australian-based wilderness adventure program for youth at risk. The descriptive and correlational survey study (N = 62) examined the psychological adjustment processes staff underwent following program completion, and the factors that predicted adjustment. The study found that post-program psychological adjustment is neither an abnormal nor a drawn-out process, with the majority of staff reporting broadly positive experiences. A number of significant predictors of post-program psychological adjustment were identified, with perceived “program success” positively related to increased “reflective” and decreased “reactive” adjustment experiences. Level of physical challenge experienced by staff was also positively related to reflective adjustment outcomes. These findings are discussed in light of organisational responses and directions for future research.
AB - This paper outlines a pilot study of the post-program psychological adjustment outcomes of adult staff facilitating an Australian-based wilderness adventure program for youth at risk. The descriptive and correlational survey study (N = 62) examined the psychological adjustment processes staff underwent following program completion, and the factors that predicted adjustment. The study found that post-program psychological adjustment is neither an abnormal nor a drawn-out process, with the majority of staff reporting broadly positive experiences. A number of significant predictors of post-program psychological adjustment were identified, with perceived “program success” positively related to increased “reflective” and decreased “reactive” adjustment experiences. Level of physical challenge experienced by staff was also positively related to reflective adjustment outcomes. These findings are discussed in light of organisational responses and directions for future research.
KW - Psychological Outcomes
KW - Staff Adjustment
KW - Wilderness Therapy
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84922700732&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/105382591003300404
DO - 10.1177/105382591003300404
M3 - Article
SN - 1053-8259
VL - 33
SP - 323
EP - 337
JO - Journal of Experiential Education
JF - Journal of Experiential Education
IS - 4
ER -