Open AccessSummer camps for juveniles with rheumatic disease: Do they make a difference?
Author(s) -
Stefl Mary E.,
Shear Edith S.,
Levinson Joseph E.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/anr.1790020104
Subject(s) - rheumatic disease , psychosocial , medicine , disease , session (web analytics) , physical therapy , summer camp , gerontology , psychology , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , psychiatry , advertising , business
Summer camps for juveniles with rheumatic disease are being offered increasingly as components of comprehensive treatment approaches, but the therapeutic value of these sessions is largely undetermined. This study attempted to judge the impact of a summer camping experience on two aspects of participants' psychosocial functioning, self‐concept, and locus of control. Both of these constructs have been related to effective disease management. On both measures, the mean scores of 36 campers improved significantly following a week‐long camp session, and these positive effects were maintained over a 6‐month follow‐up period. Campers who had attended previous camping sessions appeared to obtain maximal benefit, and male campers with rheumatic disease were identified as needing special attention. The study's limitations are discussed, and future research directions are outlined.