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An Examination of the Feasibility of Adventure-Based Therapy in Outpatient Care for Individuals With Psychosis

Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
24 June 2013

Abstract

Adventure-based therapy (ABT) involves experiential learning, outdoor education, group counselling, and intrapersonal education. While it has shown benefits in a number of populations including at-risk youth, little research has focused on individuals with psychosis. The objective of this study was to employ a mixed-methods pre-post design to examine the feasibility of a 6-week ABT intervention in an outpatient care setting among 15 adults with psychosis. The intervention proved feasible with significant improvements found in engagement in the recovery process, emotional well-being, and energy level. No changes in self-esteem or global health were observed.

Résumé

La thérapie d'aventure est une intervention utilisant l'apprentissage expérientiel, l’éducation en plein air, l'orientation de groupe et l’éducation intrapersonnelle. Bien que cette thérapie se soit avérée utile auprès d'un certain nombre de populations, peu de recherches ont été effectuées auprès des individus souffrant de psychose. L'objectif de cette étude était d'examiner la praticabilité d'une intervention de 6 semaines de thérapie d'aventure dans un contexte de soins ambulatoires auprès de 15 adultes souffrant de psychose. Des méthodes multiples, comprenant une évaluation pré-test post-test, ont été utilisées. L'intervention s'est avérée praticable, et des améliorations significatives ont été observées en ce qui concerne le processus de rétablissement, le bien-être émotionnel et l’énergie.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 32Number 2June 2013
Pages: 1 - 11

History

Version of record online: 24 June 2013

Key Words

  1. adventure-based therapy
  2. psychosis
  3. schizophrenia

Mots-clés

  1. thérapie d'aventure
  2. psychose
  3. schizophrénie

Authors

Affiliations

Jessica Bryson
Jenna Feinstein
John Spavor
Toronto Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Sean A. Kidd
Toronto Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

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