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

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.

Adventure therapy can be effective for a broad range of clients. The goals often include reducing behavioral problems, assisting with psychological problems, and improving dysfunctional beliefs.

Adventure therapy programs are usually conducted in groups or with families. They may involve overnight expeditions, snow camping, rope-challenge courses, outdoor adventure activities, and problem-solving initiatives. These types of activities trigger flow theory concepts, and can trigger a sense of awe and excitement.

A recent study evaluated the effects of an adventure therapy program. Participants in the program reported moderately positive short-term effects. Overall, adventure therapy participants showed a small, but statistically significant, improvement in emotional and behavioral functioning. This was also reflected in a decrease in suicidality.

Nature-based interventions for health are increasingly being used as a means to improve the lives of people, both in the short and long term. These range from forest trusts and wildlife trusts, to city farms and walking for health schemes.

In recent years, a number of studies have found that regular exposure to nature has positive effects on health. For example, green exercise, walking in nature, and using natural materials to decorate your home all have benefits to both physical and mental health. Among other positives, the environment can reduce psycho-physiological stress and help us regulate our emotions.

Research suggests that a connection to nature can reverse the negative effects of urbanization. However, a number of intra- and interpersonal factors inhibit pro-ecological engagement. The WAYA programme, a wilderness intervention led by an international group of facilitators, is one way of doing this.

A similar approach is undertaken by the National Academy for Social Prescribing, which was set up by the National Health Service (NHS) to promote social prescribing. The scheme connects primary care patients with non-clinical services in their local community.

Adventure therapy is a therapeutic approach which uses outdoor pursuits to promote positive change and healthy growth in individuals. It is highly versatile, and has been used to treat a wide range of mental health diagnoses. Various learning theories, including

experiential

education,

play-based

cognitive

problem-solving interventions, are applied in adventure therapy.

restructuring,

and

Typically, adventure therapy is conducted in a group setting. This facilitates isomorphic connections, as participants build trust and establish a commonality of experiences. At each activity, debriefing is performed to ensure that each participant understands and applies what they have learned. The facilitators help participants connect their experiences to the therapeutic goals.

Adventure therapists use frontloading, sequencing, and debriefing to enhance the transfer of positive behavior changes. They also encourage members to become involved in the process, and to take personal responsibility.

Studies have shown that adventure therapy is effective in treating a variety of presenting problems, and it can be particularly beneficial in treating youth-at-risk.

Although studies have shown some improvement in symptoms for at-risk youth, research is needed to better evaluate the longer-term effects of adventure therapy programs.