The True North Pilot Study

From January to November 2014 we conducted a comprehensive program review giving both parents and adolescents the opportunity to complete an anonymous survey detailing their perceptions of the True North experience. In conjunction with Charles Sturt University's Human Research Ethics Committee, we invited all students over the age of 16 that had completed our program. Our project: The Holistic Review of an Australian Adventure Therapy Program for Struggling Adolescents has been peer-reviewed and published. For more information click here. 

What Parents Think:

ABOUT PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
  • "He is able to deal with other kids when they are mean or nasty. He is able to think about what he can do instead of just reacting and shooting himself in the foot."
  • "He seems happier and no longer depressed. He is more independent."
  • "We still fight but its not as explosive as before. She is able to speak directly and calmly with me when she is frustrated."

ABOUT PROGRAM LEADERS:
  • "He had been to other psychologists before and did not like them as much."
  • "She said she felt safe and comfortable talking about anything with them."
  • "He never had a relationship with other people helping him so it was amazing."

What Students Think:

ABOUT PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
  • "I've used techniques to calm myself, instead of going from 1 to 100 in a few seconds."
  • "I now know how to deal with uncomfortable situations such as confrontations, etc. For example, at home when I fought with mum I stay a lot calmer and control myself rather than lashing out and doing/saying things I'd regret later."
  • "I can stay chill not exploding. I'm in control." 

ABOUT PROGRAM LEADERS
  • "I felt that I could be myself around bot hot the leaders and was comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings with them."
  • "I felt as though I could easily talk to them, and confide in every leader."
  • "The relationship I had with them was great. It was really open and they're amazing people." 

Research Highlights

  • The True North experience was valued by the parents and students involved.
  • Despite mixed reviews about how students felt before attending the trip, over 98% of both parents and students who completed our anonymous survey said they would take part in our services again.
  • Research participants perceived True North's follow-up support to be effective indicated by an average rating of 4.12 out of 5. 
  • When asked to rate their relationships with the program leaders, students report an average score of 4.8 out of 5 and parents reported 4.46.
  • Both parents and students reported positive changes in the students' family relationships, school work, social skills, self-concept, conflict resolution skills and overall behaviour.