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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• young adult
• cancer survivors
• adventure therapy
• body image
• self-compassion
• depression

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Genentech.