2016/06/28 by Carina R. Fernee, Carina Ribe Fernee, Leiv E. Gabrielsen +4 · 1 citation
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking #Outdoor and Experiential Education #Youth Development and Social Support
paper · doi:10.1177/1049732316655776
openalex publication_date 2016/06/28 · openalex created_date 2016/07/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Despite considerable progress within wilderness and adventure therapy research over the last decade, researchers are still unable to precisely answer why, how, and for whom this treatment modality works. There is also a need for more knowledge regarding the circumstances under which the treatment does not appear to be effective. In this realist synthesis, we attempt to unpack this "black box" of wilderness therapy more specifically, defined as a specialized approach to mental health treatment for adolescents. Through a focused review of the primary qualitative wilderness therapy studies, empirical findings are used to test and refine a key program theory. The synthesis results in a proposed wilderness therapy clinical model and offers informed implications for future theory development, research, and practice.