A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Adventure Therapy on Interpersonal Problem-Solving in the Forensic

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A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Adventure Therapy on Interpersonal Problem-Solving in the Forensic Setting Published on: 01-02-2023

It's a pretty big deal that an international team of researchers has concluded that adventure therapy is effective in treating people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. This is not just good news for individuals suffering from these conditions, but it also holds implications for other treatment methods that rely on nature as an aid to healing. A meta-analysis of the effects of adventure therapy on interpersonal problem-solving in the forensic psychiatric setting was undertaken. The study, a multi-site, randomized, blinded trial, evaluated a 10-session ABC program designed to promote better interpersonal relations. It is no surprise that some of the participants had mild presenting problems. However, the effect was modest. The results are interesting. The study found that a problem-solving training (PST) program was no more effective at reducing emotional symptoms than a control group. One study, with a low risk of bias, did report a small effect. While the study was a bit of a mixed bag, the results did support the hypothesis that a PST program was at least as effective as a control group at promoting better behavioural outcomes in a psychiatric setting. There are a number of reasons for this, one being that PST was designed as a self-help tool to improve client problem-solving skills. Moreover, the PST model did not cover problem orientation. Adventure therapy has been used as an intervention for troubled youth and has shown promise in treating mental health diagnoses. It draws on aspects of systemic therapy, experiential learning, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, it emphasizes action and interaction with nature.


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