Residential wilderness programs: the role of social support in influencing self-evaluations of male adolescents.
This qualitative study explores the aspects of a residential wilderness experience that informed self-evaluations in male adolescents, ages 12-16. To assess change in self-evaluations and program factors associated with change, qualitative interviews were conducted with adolescents upon entry to the program and four months later. Participants' responses suggested that self-evaluation improved in relation to specific factors in the residential wilderness program. Specifically, increased levels of social support provided through cooperative experiences and opportunities for emotional expression helped participants develop a more positive sense of self. Findings contribute to our knowledge of specific program components offered by residential wilderness programs that are associated with positive adjustment in adolescents.
Cook
Emily C
EC
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 265170, USA. eccook@uncg.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016730:Program Development; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055814:Wilderness