The Effects of Camp Interventions on Adolescent Self-Esteem

Research suggests that the active protection and promotion of self-esteem is critical to mental and social well being and plays an important role as a protective and non specific risk factor in physical and mental health. Youth problems such as poor academic achievement, risky sexual behavior, insolence, drug and alcohol abuse, psychological distress and delinquency have been associated with low self-esteem. Many programs have been designed to increase self esteem in children and adolescents, however, few have so far been assessed for their effectiveness. Thus, a study consisting of 98 children and young adolescents aged 8-15 years has been conducted to investigate whether a specialized self-esteem building program held in a camp environment in Western Australia had the desired effects. The program primarily utilises goal setting techniques, self regulation and positive peer and educator encouragement as a method to increase perceived self-esteem in participants. Results based on the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory showed significant long term effects of the measure shortly after completion of camp and at a three week follow up investigation.