Effects of a teen resident camp leadership program on changes in dimensions of self-control and interpersonal functioning, and their theory-based relationships

Publication date: Available online 8 November 2019Source: Evaluation and Program PlanningAuthor(s): James J. AnnesiAbstractCamp leadership programs have the potential of improving important psychosocial factors in teens who might eventually become counselors. Accepted behavioral theory might increase understandings of those changes so program training architectures can be improved. As part of larger-scale longitudinal research, participants (N = 129; 64% female, Mage = 14.6 years, SD = 0.6) were selected by senior camp administrators for a structured leadership training program that required in-person conferences, viewing training videos every 2 weeks, obtaining ongoing mentoring from senior camp staff, and attending several weeks of summer camp where further training was provided. Validated surveys of proposed dimensions of self-control and interpersonal functioning were administered twice over 6 months to assess training program-associated changes. There were significant improvements in total self-control, self-control specifically related to coping, and family-related functioning. Although no demographic factor was associated with score change, baseline score was a significant predictor across measures. After controlling for baseline scores, stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that higher self-control scores (i.e., planful behavior, coping efficacy, affective thought management) significantly predicted improvements in general, family, and peer-relat...
Source: Evaluation and Program Planning - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research