Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Pilot Study: The Effects Of A Mountain Wilderness Experience On Combat Veteran Psychosocial Wellness, Elizabeth J. Vella Phd, Taylor Lyman, Taylor Lovering

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 3.5day outdoor wilderness program (Huts for Vets, HFV) for reducing psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improving positive mood states. It was hypothesized that participation in the HFV program would predict improvements in psychosocial well-being in addition to reductions in PTSD symptomatology relative to a waiting-list control group. Participants included 51 adult veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or some other combat-related disability (Mage = 36.8, SD = 8.19). The experimental group (n=32) participated in the HFV program, which included hiking and group discussions. Data collection via psychosocial scale …