Effects of Outward Bound Experience as an adjunct to inpatient PTSD treatment of war veterans

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies on Outward Bound Experiences (OBE) with adult psychiatric populations and, more notably, with trauma victims. This study evaluates the efficacy of OBE as an adjunct to specialized inpatient PTSD treatment with survivors of chronic combat-related PTSD (N = 219) at two Veterans Administration Medical Centers. On several measures of PTSD and general adaptation, results showed that the five-day OBE did not differ from standard treatment of PTSD survivors. Two other issues were addressed: identification of successful and non-successful subjects as a result of OBE, and exploration of objective versus subjective measures among this chronic group. Finally, as a post-study analysis, inferred curative components of the OBE were discussed as each appeared to impact on the participants.

Whatever happened to the soldiers? Nature-assisted therapies for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder: A literature review

“…Different types of scales were used to assess life domains such as parenting, work/study, intimate couple relationships, friendship relationships, drug use (Gelkopf et al, 2013) and self-esteem (Hyer et al, 1996). A survey measured psychological well-being, social functioning, life outlook, and activity engagement over time (Duvall & Kaplan, 2013).…”

“…Eight of the nineteen studies include activities such as sailing or hiking in a therapeutic framework (Corbett, 2011;Duvall and Kaplan, 2013;Gelkopf et al, 2013;Hyer et al, 1996;Krasny et al, 2012;Mbona, 2011;Relf and Dorn, 1995;Sharma et al, 2010). These activities can lead to a play and competition-based approach, which again may result in a more relaxed mind, and develop new competences in the veterans.…”

Enhancing the well-being of veterans using extended group-based nature recreation experiences

“…Hyer et al recruited veterans diagnosed with PTSD to participate in a 5 d Outward Bound course that included activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting [35]. While participants did not report a reduction in PTSD symptoms, there was evidence of improvements in emotional control, self-esteem, and social connectedness.…”

Efficacy of Wilderness Therapy for Young Adults: A First Look

“…Most studies have examined group process oriented variables as opposed to outcome. A recent study examined the application of attachment theory to working with adults in wilderness therapy (Bettmann & Jasperson, 2008), while others primarily examined the impact of nonclinical wilderness adventures with adults (Goldenberg & Pronsolino, 2008;Jostad, Paisley, & Gookin, 2012;Paxton & McAvoy, 2000) or as an adjunct to inpatient treatment for survivors of combat-related PTSD (Hyer, Boyd, Scurfield, Smith, & Burke, 1996). Similar studies explored the impact of wilderness exposure on sense of community (Breunig et al, 2008) or resilience (Ewert & Yoshino, 2008).…”