Shifts in attachment relationships: A study of adolescents in wilderness treatment
Abstract
This study examined shifts in adolescents’ attachment relationships with parents and peers during a 7-week wilderness therapy program. Ninety-six adolescents, aged 14–17, completed three quantitative measurements evaluating attachment relationships with mother, father and peers pre and post treatment. Adolescents reported improved attachment relationships in terms of decreased anger and increased emotional connection towards parents. Results also showed adolescents’ more troubled attachment relationships in terms of trust and communication with parents by the end of treatment. Adolescents reported similarly mixed results in both a positive and negative direction regarding peers. These findings indicate the complexity of parent–adolescent relationships particularly considered in the context of out-of-home care and point to the importance of continued exploration in this area.
Department
Social Work
Publication Date
12-1-2011
Journal Title
Child and Youth Care Forum
Publisher
Springer
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Bettmann, J., & Tucker, A.R. (2011). Shifts in attachment relationships: A study of adolescents in wilderness treatment. Child and Youth Care Forum, 40(6), 499-519. doi: 10.1007/s10566-011-9146-6