The Impact of Community Based Adventure Therapy Programming on Stress and Coping Skills in Adults

Authors

  • Haley Koperski The University of New Hampshire
  • Anita R. Tucker The University of New Hampshire
  • D. Maurie Lung Life Adventure Counseling and Consulting, Inc.
  • Michael Gass The University of New Hampshire

Keywords:

stress, coping, adventure therapy, working alliance

Abstract

Stress coping skills are among the most essential components of the mental health counseling field.  The use of coping skills (e.g., meditation, physical activities, appropriate uses of leisure) has been identified as effective strategies for stress management. Adventure therapy has emerged as a modality that can positively augment other therapeutic approaches by improving coping skills and assisting clients in managing stress. As with all therapies, a positive working alliance has proven to be important toward achieving clinical outcomes. This study explores how adventure therapy enhances learned coping strategies for stress and improves therapeutic alliance.  Outcomes from this initial research illustrate one way to further innovations in the field in terms of fidelity toward effective evidence based programming.

Author Biographies

Haley Koperski, The University of New Hampshire

Haley Koperski, MSW, MS is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire's Dual Masters Degree in Social Work and Outdoor Education.

Anita R. Tucker, The University of New Hampshire

Anita R. Tucker, PhD, LICSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire.

D. Maurie Lung, Life Adventure Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

D. Maurie Lung, LMFT is the owner and Director of Life Adventure Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

Michael Gass, The University of New Hampshire

Michael Gass, PhD, LMFT is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Outdoor Education Program at the University of New Hampshire.

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Published

2015-01-14

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Articles