Joanna E. Bettmann

Adventure Therapy With Youth

This state of knowledge article provides an overview of Adventure Therapy (AT) as it is practiced with adolescents in North America, presenting (a) current findings in AT research with adolescents, (b) critical issues in AT, (c) the need for training and professional development in AT, and (d) professionalization in AT. Implications of current findings in AT research for practitioners, researchers, and consumers of AT services are also discussed.

Innovations in Doctoral Education: Distance Education Methodology Applied

This study evaluated the impact of a distance education program to meet the practice learning needs of first‐year doctoral students. The program, a six‐session case‐based telephonic seminar, was taught to 19 first‐year doctoral students. Evaluation of the program included self‐report quantitative and qualitative data gathered pre‐ and postseminar, as well as qualitative data gathered three months postseminar. Quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed increased reports of practice competencies by the conclusion of the seminar. Analysis also illustrated the importance of continued evaluation given the small sample size and pilot nature of this unique distance education program.

Somali Refugees’ Perceptions of Mental Illness

Nearly 13% of the U.S. population is comprised of foreign-born individuals, with Somalis constituting one of the largest resettled groups. Research suggests that, among Somali refugees, rates of mental illness are high. Yet research shows Somalis underutilize mental health services. Understanding their perceptions of mental illness and its cures may help practitioners to design more effective treatments for this population. Thus, this pilot study investigated Somali refugees’ perceptions of mental illness and its treatments. Using purposive sampling, this qualitative study interviewed 20 Somali refugees using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative analysis yielded participants’ perceptions of mental illness through their descriptions of physical symptoms accompanying mental illness, the stigma of mental illness, causes of mental illness, medical and non-medical treatments for mental illness, spirit possession causing mental illness, and the Qur’an as treatment for mental illness. Such information may help practitioners in the United States approach Somali clients in the most culturally coherent manner.

An Exploration of Gender, Client History, and Functioning in Wilderness Therapy Participants

This article explored differences by gender in client mental health history, presenting issues, and current functioning among adolescents in wilderness therapy. The study used a random sample of 401 youth in wilderness therapy programs, utilizing data from archival psychological evaluations conducted during wilderness treatment. Results showed that females were more likely to have participated in outpatient treatment prior to a wilderness therapy program. Additionally, analysis indicated that females were more likely than males to participate in self-harming behaviors and suicide attempts. Males were more likely to have been significantly involved with criminal activity prior to treatment. Analysis provided a deeper understanding of the current population of wilderness therapy participants in an effort to inform current wilderness therapy practices. It is imperative for clinicians to have a better understanding of gender differences when considering wilderness therapy as a treatment option.

Differences Between Adopted and Nonadopted Adolescents in Wilderness and Residential Treatment

Adopted children are disproportionately represented in residential treatment programs in the United States. Adopted children in the United States constitute only 2% to 3% of the U.S population. Nevertheless, they comprise approximately 16.5% of the population in residential care. This descriptive study evaluated a sample of 473 psychological evaluations of adolescents in wilderness and residential treatment centers. Results indicated that, compared with nonadopted youth, adopted youth had greater histories of recent trauma, higher rates of suicidal tendency and biological parents’ mental illness, and poorer academic achievement. However, there were no significant differences between adopted and nonadopted youths in terms of defiant behaviors, IQ, substance use/abuse, reasons for referral, impulsivity, anxiety, or depression. Study results suggest that wilderness and residential programs may need to target programmatic elements specifically to meet the special needs of adopted adolescents who comprise a significant percentage of their client population.

A social partnership between Ghanaian and US academic institutions

This study explored a social partnership between Ghanaian and US universities. Through qualitative narratives, participants reported the partnership developed professional and social relationships, but cited problems in preparedness. Findings point to the importance of faculty perceptions in developing academic partnerships and the need for strong relationships in early phases of social partnerships.

Attachment Processes inWilderness Therapy

Out-of-home treatments for adolescents present a distinct challenge for attachment-based clinical work. How can treatment enhance the attachment bonds between family members when the treatment is residential, by definition keeping the adolescent and his parent apart? Further, in wilderness therapy programs, adolescents are far from their familiar family and friends, evoking strong attachment needs and the need for new relationships within the treatment setting. How can programs understand and support adolescents’ attachment needs in the context of out-of-home care? This article presents a reconceptualization of adolescent dynamics in wilderness therapy settings, exploring how acting-out adolescent behaviors can be best understood in the context of powerful attachment dynamics.