An Outdoor Adventure Program for Young Adults with Cancer: Positive Effects on Body Image and Psychosocial Functioning

Overview

Journal J Psychosoc Oncol

Publisher Routledge

Specialty Oncology

Date 2014 Jul 3

PMID 24988227

Citations 19

Authors

Robin S Rosenberg

Whitney Lange

Brad Zebrack

Samuel Moulton

Stephen M Kosslyn

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study evaluated the psychological effects of an outdoor adventure program on young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39). The 6-day adventure program included personal instruction and supervision on the basics of kayaking, surfing, or climbing. Compared to a wait-list control group, participants who took part in the program for the first time had improved (relative to pretest) body image, self-compassion and self-esteem, and less depression and alienation. Participants who took part for the second time, though also helped by the program in similar ways, were no better off psychologically than participants who took part for the first time. Possible explanations for the positive effects and their apparent short duration are offered.

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