| Twenty six at-risk youth who participated in a wilderness therapy program (WTP) were measured in their self-reported changes of hope, locus of control, clinical emotional and behavioral symptoms, and motivational stage. Using a series of ANOVAs, several significant main effects were found. An increase in overall hope and the agency sub-factor occurred while in the WTP, and were maintained at least 2.5 months after the WTP. A shift toward an internalized locus of control occurred while adolescents were in the WTP, and was maintained at least 2.5 months after the WTP. An overall decrease in negative clinical symptoms occurred while adolescents were in the WTP, and was maintained at least 2.5 months after the WTP. Lastly, McNemar's tests demonstrated a significant effect in adolescents achieving a higher motivational stage after participating in a WTP, which was maintained at least 2.5 months after the WTP. |
