Exploring adventure family therapy: A modified Delphi study
Abstract
The field of adventure family therapy (AFT) was explored utilizing a modified Delphi Technique. Opinions of AFT practitioners were obtained through the use of: (1) an open-ended questionnaire, (2) a Likert-scale questionnaire derived from the first questionnaire (21 panelists completed both surveys), and (3) a qualitative interview with a randomly chosen sub-sample of four panelists. The results indicated that there was little consensus in regard to which family therapy theories were the most helpful to the panel's conceptualization of AFT, with Structural Family Therapy being the only theory agreed upon. The benefits to families participating in AFT focused primarily on the development and recognition of strengths and resources (e.g., trust, communication, cohesiveness, and fun). Step-family issues were also noted as benefiting from AFT. The risks to families participating in AFT included a lack of processing time and lack of follow-up. The competence of the therapist produced one of the strongest themes of the study pertaining to potential contraindications of AFT. AFT was found to be similar to established experiential therapy methods in that they were both active and required risk taking; AFT differed from established experiential methods in that it was more active, occurred outdoors, and had more realistic metaphors. AFT was found to differ from adventure therapy with other groups due to the existence of strong bonds, previous history, existing culture, and increased intensity of families. Although strong themes were not found between presenting problems and interventions, the panelists regarded sharing this information as highly valuable and informative. The future needs of the field were found to be: the development of theory; outcome and process research; improved training and skill level of therapists; accreditation of programs; and collaboration and networking. Two global themes found with panel respondents were high enthusiasm and a sense of personal responsibility to the field.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sprenkle, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social psychology|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Academic guidance counseling|Psychotherapy
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