Date of Award
12-1986
Degree Name
Specialist in Education
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Howard E. Farris
Second Advisor
Dr. Neil Kent
Third Advisor
Dr. Galen Alessi
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Although a plethora of studies have linked experiences in adventure education to the enhancement of self-concept, virtually all have been faulted on methodological grounds. In this study the inferential leap from test performance to actual behavior was narrowed, if not eliminated, by utilizing systematic direct observation as an alternative to self-reports. A single behavior, hugs, was isolated as an indicator of self-concept. Eighth grade Outdoor Education students were observed over a baseline period, then engaged in a short-term, intense, adventure education experience. A second baseline revealed an appreciable increase in the rate of hug behavior under select circumstances. The data also hint at the influence activity sequence can have on producing overt effective behavior. These results support the hypothesis that adventure activities can positively impact self-concept.
Recommended Citation
Bethke, Marjorie Ellen, "The Effects of Adventure Activities on an Objective Measure of Self-Concept" (1986). Masters Theses. 1310.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1310