Wilderness challenge programs for delinquent youth: a meta-analysis of outcome evaluations

Evaluations of wilderness challenge programs were meta-analyzed to assess t he impact on delinquent behavior. The overall mean effect size for delinque ncy outcomes was 0.18 (N = 22), equivalent to a recidivism rate of 29% for program participants vs 37% for comparison subjects. Program length was not related to outcome among short-term programs (up to 6 weeks) but extended programs lover 10 weeks) showed smaller effects overall. However, the most influential program characteristics were the intensity of the physical acti vities and whether the program included a distinct therapeutic component. P rograms involving relatively intense activities or with therapeutic enhance ments produced the greatest reductions in delinquent behavior. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.