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Research on Wilderness Therapy and Related Topics

Narrative of Efficacy of Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness therapy programs significantly improve self-concept, reduce aggressive and self-destructive behaviors, enhance an internal locus of control, improve general family functioning, build interpersonal skills, and increase the ability to form healthy relationships (Cason & Gillis, 1994; Sachs & Miller, 1992; Russell, 1999; Sakofs,1991).  This is remarkable, considering that the majority of participants in wilderness therapy programs are at-risk youth for whom traditional forms of treatment (inpatient, outpatient and pharmacological treatment) have been ineffective (Russell, 1999). Outcome studies indicate wilderness therapy is highly effective:  mean admission scores indicate a population that is severely disturbed, yet discharge score are very close to normal (Russell, 2001).  Adjudicated youth who complete wilderness programs are 2 -3 times less likely to recidivate that youth who do not (Davis Berman & Berman, 1994b; Gass, 1993).  Wilderness therapy is more effective treatment for at-risk teens that other forms of inpatient treatment (Russell, 2001), and longitudinal studies indicate that wilderness therapy has excellent long-term results (Russell, 2002).  

Admissions vs. Discharge Scores (Youth and Parent Report) Cut scores: 100 - severe; 79 - dysfunctional; 46 - normal; 24 - good Number of youth assessed = 858 (From Russell, 2001)

Last year, prior to placement with InnerRoads, the Missoula County judicial system planned on sending 75% of our participants to long-term correctional facilities.  These placements cost taxpayers approximately $50,000 per year per adolescent, and tend to increase the severity of mental health dysfunction and criminal behavior.  Upon completion the InnerRoads program, however, all youth returned home and both they and their families reported healthier family functioning, improved communication and increased connection to their community. 

While wilderness therapy has been shown to make a significant positive impact on a teen's well-being and behavior, relapse is likely when youth return to their original environment without significant support (Durgin and McEwen, 1993; Davis-Berman and Berman, 1994a).  Research, as well as are experience, clearly shows that parent counseling and parent involvement are very important components of adolescent treatment (Anderson, 1996; Ansari, Guothro, Ahmad & Steele, 1996; Gass, 1993).  Yet most wilderness therapy programs limit parent involvement to phone conversations and one or two days of family conferences (Russell, 1999).  

In order to address this issue, InnerRoads works extensively with parents to help create a healthy home environment, and provides year round aftercare support in the form of mentoring, reunion activities, and specialized treatment plans.  We realize that we cannot meet all the needs of our families, and work with existing Missoula agencies to provide comprehensive aftercare support.  Agencies with whom we are currently collaborating are:  Youth Court, Missoula Youth Homes, school counselors, several local therapists, Friends to Youth, and Families First.

Summary of Research on Wilderness Therapy and Related Issues

Adjudicated youth who go to jail instead of completing a wilderness program are two to three times more likely to commit additional crimes (Davis-Berman & Berman, 1994).

Wilderness therapy programs take less time and have better outcomes than other forms of residential treatment (Russell, 2001).

Longitudinal research shows that wilderness therapy has excellent long-term results (Russell, 2002).

 Wilderness therapy programs significantly:

• improves self-concept

• reduces aggressive  and self-destructive behaviors

• enhances an internal locus of control

• improves general family functioning

• builds interpersonal skills

• increases the ability to form healthy relationships  

(Cason & Gillis, 1994; Sachs & Miller, 1992; Russell, 1999; Sakofs, 1991)

This is remarkable, considering that participants in wilderness therapy programs are typically at-risk youth for whom traditional treatment has been ineffective (Russell, 1999).

Family Component

Parent training is highly effective for treating youth with conduct disorders (Anderson, 1996).

Parent involvement increases the efficacy of treatment for emotionally disturbed youth (Ansari, Guothro, Ahmad & Steele, 1996). 

Family participation in the therapeutic process helps improve overall family functioning (Gass, 1993).

Most wilderness therapy programs limit parent involvement to phone conversations and one or two days of family conferences (Russell, 1999).  Our program focuses on parent education, support and involvement.

Community Component

Almost all wilderness therapy programs operate in a context isolated from the youth's home community.  When youth return unsupported to the community, the positive effects of the programs often fade (Durgin & McEwen, 1993; Davis-Berman & Berman, 1994a).  In an effort to safeguard the long-term success of our participants, we ground their success in a reciprocal relationship with the community.

 

REFERENCES

Cutler, D., Glaeser, E., and Norberg, K. (2000). Explaining the Rise in Youth Suicide.
NBER Working Paper 7713.

Davis-Berman, J. & Berman, D. (1994a).  Two-year follow-up report for the Wilderness Therapy Program.  Journal of Experiential Education, 17(1), 48-50.

Davis-Berman, J. & Berman, D. (1994b).  Wilderness Therapy: Foundations, Theory & Research. Debuye, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

Davis-Berman, J., Berman, D., & Capone, L.  (1994). Therapeutic wilderness programs: A national survey.  Journal of Experiential Education, 17(2), 49-50.

Durgin, C. H. & McEwen, D. (1993).  Trouble Young People after the Adventure Program:  A Case Study.  In: M. Gass (editor).  Adventure Therapy: Therapeutic Applications of Adventure Programming.  Debuye, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

Gass, M. (1993).  Adventure Therapy: Therapeutic Applications of Adventure Programming.  Debuye, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

Missoula County Report on Youth Delinquincy. (2001). www.co.missoula.mt.us/Measures/YouthDelinq.
htm

Montana Office of Public Instruction. (2000). 1999 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey:  Risk Behaviors of Montana Youth in High Performing Schools vs. Low Performing Schools.  Prepared by Dodge Data Systems, Inc.

Russell, K. C. (1999).  Theoretical Basis, Process, and Reported Outcomes of Wilderness Therapy as an Intervention and Treatment for Problem Behaviors in Adolescents.  Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Idaho.

Russell, K. C. (2001).  Assessment of Treatment Outcomes in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare.  Idaho:  University of Idaho Wilderness Research Center, Technical Report 27.

Sakofs, M. (1991).  Assessing the Impact of an Outward Bound Program on Adjudicated Youth.  Journal of Experiential Education, 14, (2), 49-50.

U. S. Center for Disease Control. (2002).  Report ranking states on causes of death. www.cdc.gov/ nccdphpl/dash/yrbs/index.htm