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PSYCHOSOCIAL CHANGES OF ADOLESCENTS AFTER CAMPING
BY
LUI WAI FAN
13002570
AN HONOURS PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIRMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS
IN
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT (HONOURS)
HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
APRIL 2015
HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
24TH APRIL, 2015
We hereby recommend that the Honours Project by Miss Lui Wai Fan entitled
“Psychosocial Changes of Adolescents after camping” be accepted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Physical
Education and Recreation Management.
______________________________ _______________________________
Prof. Chung Pak Kwong Prof. Kim Seungmo
Chief Adviser Second Reader
DECLARAION
I hereby declare that this honors project “Psychosocial Changes of Adolescents
after camping” represents my own work and had not been previously submitted to this
or other institution for a degree, diploma or other qualification. Citations from the
other authors were listed in the references.
_____________________________
Lui Wai Fan
24th
APRIL, 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my greatest gratitude to my chief adviser, Prof. Chung Pak
Kwong, for his support, professional advice and guidance throughout the entire study.
Also, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Kim Seungmo to be my
second reader to review this study. Special thanks to Mr Kilo Wong from Hong Kong
Baptist University for helping to find campsites for the data collection.
Besides, I would like to express my appreciation to Hong Kong Federation of Youth
Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club
Tai Tong Holiday Camp, and Hong Kong PHAB Association Pokfulam PHAB Camp
in Hong Kong. Their assistances helped a lot in the data collection.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the subjects’ participation in the study.
_____________________________
Lui Wai Fan
Department of Physical Education
Hong Kong Baptist University
24th APRIL, 2015
ABSTRACT
The aims of this study are to identify psychosocial changes of the adolescents after
camping. Also, it serves to determine the interactions between gender and age groups.
Moreover, it attempted to examine the difference in psychosocial changes between
gender, as well as age groups of the adolescents. A total of 528 campers are selected
from three camps. Self-Determination and Peer Relationship scales are used to
measure the Psychosocial Changes. And questionnaires from America Camp
Association were used to collect the data. The result indicated that campers received
psychosocial changes after camping (M=78.72, SD=14.66). Besides, there were
interactions between gender and age in psychosocial changes of adolescents after
camping (F= 6.122, P=.014). The response level of same gender to the psychosocial
changes was different with different age groups. The older the male campers, the
stronger response level to the psychosocial changes than the younger campers.
However, the older the female campers, the lower response level to the psychosocial
changes than the younger female campers. Moreover, the response level of same age
groups to the psychosocial changes was different with different genders. Within age
group of 12-14, male campers have lower response level to the psychosocial changes
than female campers. However, within age group of 15-18, male campers have
stronger response level to the psychosocial changes than female campers. In addition,
there was no significant mean difference (F=.003, P=.959) between males and
females in psychosocial changes. Lastly, there was no significant mean difference
(F=.853, P=.356) between age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18 in psychosocial
changes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER Page
1. INTRODUCTION 1-2
Statement of the Problem 3
Definition of Terms 3
Delimitations 4
Limitations 4
Assumptions 5
Hypotheses 5
Significance of the Study 6
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 7
Psychosocial Development – Erikson’s Identity Versus Role Confusion 7-8
Theory of Changes 8
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 9-10
Measuring Scales of Psychosocial Changes 10-12
Gender Difference in Psychosocial Changes 12-13
Age Difference in Psychosocial Changes 13
Summary 13-14
3. METHOD Page
Sample of Selection 14-15
Measuring Instrument 15
Collection of Data 16
Data Analysis 16
4. ANALYSIS OF DATA 17
Demographic Characteristics 17
Demographic Characteristics 17-18
Descriptive Statistics of Psychosocial Changes 18-19
Interactions between gender and age in psychosocial changes 19-22
Difference in psychosocial changes between males and females 22
Difference in psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 23
and age group of 15-18
Discussion 23-27
Participants received psychosocial changes after camping 23-24
Interactions between gender and age in psychosocial changes 24-26
Psychosocial changes between genders 26
Psychosocial changes between age groups 26-27
5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 27
Summary 27-29
Conclusion 29-30
Recommendation 30-31
REFERENCE 32-35
APPENDIX 36-3
1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever imaging the power of camping? Camping is a powerful growth
experience for adolescents. Camp has long been viewed as an ideal environment for
learning and self-exploration. Coleman (2014) indicated that camp was a unique
educational institution which is a “classroom without walls” It encompasses multi
benefits especially psychosocial improvement that adolescents receive during and
after the camp experience. Thus, camp is not only a place only with programs and
facilities. According to Garst, Browne and Bialeschki (2011), camp is more than a
location or a program.
Nowadays, Hong Kong adolescents were spoiled by parents. They lack
independence to encounter the challenges. Moreover, regard to the Youth in Hong
Kong – A statistical Profile 2010, about a quarter of youth claimed that due to the bad
relationship with classmates or friends, they had often felt lonely. This shows that they
are vulnerable in social skills. It is essential to make an improvement in self-identity
and social skills of adolescents. In reviewing the previous studies, camp experiences
contribute positive changes in psychosocial aspect to adolescents. According to
2
America Camp Association (ACA) (2005), adolescents increase positive identity:
Self-esteem as well as social skills: peer relationships, after participating in camp.
Hence, camp experiences benefit adolescents to feel good about themselves, to
become more confident, to make friends, to grow more independent and show more
leadership qualities. (Nagele, Bourdeau, & Olszewski Arnold, 2005). Undoubtedly, as
positive changes are contributed to adolescents after participating in camp, it helps to
reduce the inappropriate behaviors and criminal cases of adolescents. Therefore,
camps enrich the lives of children that will help to build a better tomorrow. (Wallace,
2013).
Additional to, some researchers examined the camp experience psychosocial
outcome and some influenced variables such as gender, age. The research finding
suggested that difference gender have different psychosocial changes. (Hedrick,
Homan, & Dick, 2009). On the other hand, another research suggested that there is no
significance result showing that different gender influence the psychosocial changes.
(Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler,& Henderson, 2007). Besides, a research suggested that
different age have different psychosocial changes. (Hedrick, Homan, & Dick, 2009).
Similarly, Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler and Henderson, (2007), also agree with this
point. Study these influenced variables help to understand how powerful of camp
3
experience to the psychosocial changes of adolescents in different gender and age.
Statement of the Problem
This study is aimed to identify the psychosocial changes of adolescents after
participating in camp. The study would also examine the differences between gender
as well as age groups of the Adolescents on the Psychosocial Changes.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were defined as:
Adolescence
According to the World Health Organization (WHO 2015), adolescence is
defined as young people between the age of 10 to 19 years old.
Psychosocial Changes
According to Ciccarelli and White (2014), Psychosocial Changes is “the changes
of personality and social relationships which primarily concerns the search for a
consistent sense of self or personal identity.” (p. 282)
Camping
Camping (2013) defined camping as follow:
Camping recreational activity in which participants take up temporary residence
in the outdoors, usually using tentsor specially designed or adapted vehicles for
4
shelter. Camping was at one time only a rough, back-to-nature pastime for hardy
open-air lovers, but it later became the standard holiday for vast numbers of
ordinary families.
Delimitations
The following delimitations were established for this study:
1. The selected samples were delimited to adolescents who has participated in Hong
Kong Federation of Youth Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training
Camp, Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp, and Hong Kong
PHAB Association Pokfulam PHAB Camp.
2. The age range of the adolescents was 12-18; they were Form 1 to Form 6
students of secondary schools.
3. Self-Determination and Peer Relationship scales are used to measure the
Psychosocial Changes.
Limitations
The following limitations should be considered when interpreting the results:
1. The language of Questionnaire was translated from English to Chinese to suit the
English level of campers who are secondary students. Thus, the original meaning
5
of the questions might be inaccurate.
2. The previous experiences that similar to camping might influence the campers’
perception towards camp experiences.
3. This research did not include the follow-up session to investigate the stability
and sustainability of the result.
4. Questionnaires were carried out immediately at the end of the camping. The
atmosphere might influence the result.
Assumptions
The following assumptions were made:
1. The different camps which were selected to distribute questionnaires provided
similar camp programs to the participants.
2. The subjects in different camps have received similar camping experiences.
Hypotheses
The hypotheses of this study were as follow:
1. The participants would receive psychosocial changes after camping.
2. There would be a significant interaction between gender and age groups in
psychosocial changes.
6
3. There would be a significant mean difference in psychosocial changes between
male campers and female campers.
4. There would be a significant mean difference in psychosocial changes between
age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18.
Significance of the Study
There are psychosocial problems among adolescents in Hong Kong. They have
the problem of abusing psychotropic substances. There was increasing flow from
1999 to 2009. In 2009, 3359 adolescents age under21 abuse substances. Moreover,
35.2% and 18.8% of Secondary 1- 3 students and Secondary 4- 5 students
respectively could be identified as highly at risk of Internet addiction. Besides,
research indicated that the rate of bulling trends among adolescents in Hong Kong has
increased. And the reasons for these problems occurred are adolescents with low
self-esteem, they are lonely; often rejected by peers and always overprotected by
parents. (Shek, Keung, & Sun, 2011). One of the purposes of the study is to determine
the psychosocial changes of adolescents after participating in camp. Once the
psychosocial changes of adolescents is significant after participating to camp, the
psychosocial quality and skills can be enhanced and the problem can be released.
Besides, the other purpose of the research is to analyze the difference between gender
7
difference, as well as age difference in psychosocial changes in Adolescents. The
result helps camp organizations to adjust the program structures more
comprehensively to suit the campers. The most significant is it helps to motivate
parents to encourage their children to participate in camp to release the psychosocial
problems of adolescents in Hong Kong.
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The review of literature was divided in to six sections. The sections were: (1)
Psychosocial Development – Erikson’s Identity Versus Role Confusion. (2) Theory of
Changes (3) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (4) Measuring Scales of Psychosocial
Changes, (5) Gender Difference in Psychosocial Changes, (6) Age Difference in
Psychosocial Changes and (7) Summary.
Psychosocial Development – Erikson’s Identity Versus Role Confusion
The Psychosocial Changes is indicated that “the changes of personality and social
relationships in adolescence primarily concerns the search for the consistent sense of
self or personal identity” (Ciccarelli and White, 2014, p282). According to Erikson’s
psychosocial adolescent stages, adolescents encounter confusion of identifying who or
8
what they want to be in terms of beliefs, attitudes, behavior patterns and occupation.
(Erikson, cited by Ciccarelli and White, 2014). He believed that teenagers who are
able to resist peer pressure to participate in unhealthy or illegal activities and figure
out their own identity during the adolescent years have a large extend to resolve the
conflicts of the earlier four stages which are infant toddler, preschool age and
elementary school age. On the contrary, adolescents are not successfully go through
the 4 stages will result in a lack of trust in others, low self-esteem, feeling guilty and
shame. Besides, peer pressure is such a great push force to teenagers who desperately
want to fit in the group and show they meet the expectations and demand of the group.
Moreover, adolescents are confused if the roles they play are really their own identity
and even have conflict with their parents. Many researchers believe that a certain
amount of rebellion and conflict is an essential. Coleman (2014) indicated that camp
was a unique educational institution where encompasses multi benefits especially
psychosocial improvement that adolescents receive camping experience.
Theory of Change
A behavior changes of a person can be made by learning. According to Ciccarelli
and White (2014), learning refers to “any relatively permanent changes in behavior
brought about by experience or practice.” (p.142). There are two best kwon behavior
9
changes theories. The first one is Behavior Modification which to apply operant
conditioning principles and techniques like reinforcement and the process of shaping
to achieve desirable responses and to changes undesirable behavior. The other one is
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which uses functional analysis and behavior
techniques such as breaking down the skills into the simplest steps with a system of
reinforcement and prompts are given as needed to form a desired behavior or response.
According to Garst, Browne and Bialeschki (2011), the camping learning experience
for adolescents is a way to explore and make changes that search for an authenticity
often missing in other parts of their lives that contributes to their healthy transition
into adulthood.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
According to Maslow, the theory of hierarchy of needs include both deficiency
needs and growth needs. Human must fulfill the basic needs before achieving the
highest level which are rank in a sequence from lower level to the higher level. The
lower level include food and water, followed by safety needs which is to feel secure
and safe, out of danger, it comes to the need of belongingness and love needs (i.e.
needs for friends, to be accepted by others). Then, the need of self-esteem becomes
the next (i.e. the need to be competent, gain approval and recognition). Lastly, when
10
all the basic needs had been strove, human would pursue the self-actualization need
(i.e. to find self-fulfillment and the highest need of developing one’s potential). This
theory of needs explains different levels of human needs are motivation factor that
facilitate moral and behavioral changes to achieve the needs. According to ACA
(2005), after camping experience, adolescents have positive changes in Self-
Determination and Peer Relationship.
Measure Scales of Psychosocial Changes
From the previous literature, the main measure scales of psychosocial changes
are Self-Determination and Peer Relationship.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) refers to “endorse one’s actions at the highest
level of reflection. When self-determined, people experience a sense of freedom to do
what is interesting, personally important, and vitalizing” (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000,
cited by Ciccarelli & White, 2014). They suggest that SDT is a psychological process
which occurs within the social context influence reasons or motivations to behave.
There are three basic psychological needs which are autonomy, competence and
relatedness that contribute to complete sense of self and whole, healthy relationships
11
with others. Autonomy refers to the need of one have choice to control their own
behavior and goals. Competence refers to the need of one feel capable of mastering
the challenging tasks of their life. And relatedness need is the sense of belonging and
connectedness with significant people which similar to Maslow’s belongingness and
love needs (Deci & Ryan, 2000, cited by Ciccarelli & White, 2014).
Moreover, Ryan, Deci and their colleagues (Deci et al., 1994; Ryan & Dei, 2000,
cited by Ciccarelli& White, 2014) believe that fulfill these needs can best be
accomplished when the person in a supportive context where to develop goals and
relationships with others. According to ACA (2005), the national study of the
outcomes of camp experiences in US showed that kids become more adventurous at
camp and camp is a place to enable them to try new things that they liked to do. Also,
about 75 percent of campers reported that they learnt something new at camp.
Peer Relationship
Moreover, for peer relationship measure scale, “peer relationship should
emphasize an inclusive youth environment for young people” (Roth and Brooks-Gunn,
2003, cited by Henderson, 2012). Moreover, “a multiple supportive relationships with
peers must be had by adolescents. And relationships are the basis for emotional
12
support, guidance, and instrumental help. Also, adolescents need to have others
depend on them for informal and formal roles or support and leadership” (Gambone et
al., 1997; 2002, cited by Henderson, 2012). According to ACA (2005), 93% of
campers said that camp helped them get to know more kids who were different from
them. Similarly, Researcher studied Oregon residential 4-H campers and found that
camp helped adolescents to meet more new people and cooperate with them. (Arnold
et al., 2005, cited by Henderson, 2012)
Gender Difference in Psychosocial Changes
Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler, and Henderson (2007) selected campers who are age
8 to 14 and from ACA accredited camp to participate. 36% of sample was boys; 64%
were girls at the pre camp survey. The percentage of boys and girls shifted to 32% and
68% in post camp. It suggested that there is no significance result showing different
gender influence the psychosocial changes. On the other hand, Hedrick, Homan, and
Dick (2009) indicated that gender different significantly influence the psychosocial
changes. From the research, there was a significant difference in the development of
independent skills between males and females. Besides, Female campers’ parents
reported that their children developed higher levels of independent skills than did the
parents of male campers. Henderson (2012) further explained that female campers
13
were more likely to learn cooperate with others than male campers.
Age Difference in Psychosocial Changes
Both Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler, and Henderson (2007) and Hedrick, Homan,
and Dick (2009) indicated that different age campers have different psychosocial
changes after camping. Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler, and Henderson (2007) said that
older campers have slightly more changes than younger campers. Hedrick, Homan,
and Dick (2009) further pointed out that different age groups of campers have
significant different in specific psychosocial changes. The research divided campers
into three age groups: 8-10, 11-12 and 13-15. It concluded that campers in 13-15
years old had a higher degree of improvement in leadership skills than the other two
age groups and 8-10 years old campers had the least improvement.
Summary
From the review of literature, camp contributes psychosocial benefits for
adolescents who participating in it. Nowadays, the psychological quality and social
skills of adolescents in Hong Kong declined and criminal cases related to adolescents
increased. It is time to alleviate this risky situation among adolescents. It can be seen
that there are variables which are gender difference and age difference influence the
14
psychosocial changes of adolescents after camping experience.
Chapter 3
METHOD
The method of the study was presented in the following four sections: (1)
Sample selection, (2) Measuring Instrument, (3) Collection of data and (4) Statistical
Analysis.
Sample of Selection
The subjects selected for this study were from three camps which are Hong Kong
Federation of Youth Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, Po Leung
Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp, and Hong Kong PHAB Association
Pokfulam PHAB Camp. These three camps were selected. The reason for selecting
these three camps were about they offer similar programs and camping activities.
The purposes of the project were explained, and the participants were reminded to
participate voluntarily and withdraw anytime without penalty. Total 528 campers 332
males and 196 females were selected among these three camps.
15
Measuring Instrument
The questionnaire which is from American Camp Association: Youth Outcomes
Battery (2011) consisted of three main parts. Part A was the acknowledgement of
voluntarily completing of questionnaire. Part B was the modified questions about
Friendship-Skills-Scale and Perceived-Competence-Scale Youth Outcomes Battery
developed by American Camp Association (ACA, 2011). Part C was the demographic
questions and questions about participating to camp.
In part B, a set of 22 items is required to complete by the subjects. These questions
were developed based on 2 subscales which are friendship skill and self-determination.
Response items were 5-likert scale which are “Decreased”, “Did not increase or
decrease”, “Increased a little bit, maybe”, “Increased some, I am sure” and “Increased
a lot, I am sure”. The questions would be mixed and listed randomly, and the type of
subscale would not be showed in the questionnaire for the respondents.
In Part C was the demographic questions about respondent’s gender, age, study level,
organization of the camp activities and the how long they stayed at camp.
Collection of Data
528 campers were selected from three camps, including Hong Kong Federation
of Youth Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, Po Leung Kuk
16
Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp, and Hong Kong PHAB Association Pokfulam
PHAB Camp. A camper had to fill in questionnaire at the end of camp. They were
asked to fill in the questionnaire about their camp experiment in psychosocial changes.
Before they fill in the questionnaire, an explanation of the purposes of the study and
the questionnaire were conducted. Besides, questionnaires were distributed and
collected by researcher directly. And researcher distributed the questionnaires on 19th
,
20th
, 21st, 22
ndof December, 2014and collected questionnaires on 30
th of December,
2014 and 3rd
, 20th
of January and 4th
of February, 2015.
Data Analysis
After data collection, all the data were inputted and analyzed by the Statistical
Package for the Social Science (SPSS program). The significant level was set at 0.05.
A Descriptive Statistics was executed. Means were utilized to determine the
psychosocial changes of adolescents after camping. Besides, Two-Way Analysis of
variance (ANOVA) was utilized to analyze the differences of Psychosocial Changes
of adolescents between gender and age groups.
17
Chapter 4
ANALYSIS OF DATA
The purpose of this chapter was to analyze the data collected to further
investigate the psychosocial changes of adolescents after camping in Hong Kong.
Besides, the interactions between gender and age in psychosocial changes of
adolescents were determined. Lastly, the difference in psychosocial changes between
gender (male campers vs. female campers) and age groups (12-14 vs. 15-18) were
assessed.
Demographic Characteristics
There were totally 528 campers selected from 3 camps namely the Hong Kong
Federation of Youth Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, Po Leung
Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp, and Hong Kong PHAB Association
Pokfulam PHAB Camp. The detail demographic information of the subjects was
showed in Table 1.
Table 1 Demographic Characteristics (N=528)
Demographic
Items
Classification N Percentage
(%)
Gender Male
Female
330
198
62.5
37.5
Age groups 12-14 325 61.6
18
15-18 203 38.4
Form F.1
F.2
F.3
F.4
F.5
F.6
138
138
71
60
110
11
26.1
26.1
13.4
11.4
20.8
2.1
Duration(Day) 1
2
3
4
210
170
79
69
39.8
32.2
15
13.1
Organization Campsite
organized
Non-campsite
organized
362
166
68.6
31.4
Descriptive Statistics of Psychosocial Changes
Preliminary analyses were conducted before the advanced analyses to avoid
problem of missing data and to ensure the data have a normal distribution by checking
the Skewness and Kurtosis Statistics. According to Kline’s guideline (1998),
Skewness and kurtosis values greater than 3.0 and 8.0 respectively are indicated as
extremely Skewed and Kurtosis. Hence, the results of Skewed and Kurtosis ranged
from -1.578 to 0.747 which mean that there are normal distribution and multivariate
normality of the variables. As showed in Table 2, there were no missing value and
variables are normally distributed.
19
Table 2 Descriptive Statistics
Items N Mean Std.
Deviation
Skewness Kurtosis
Total Scores
(Self-Determination&
Peer Relationship)
528 78.72 14.66 -.097 -.246
Apart from that, based on the result showed above (Table 2), campers received
psychosocial changes after camping (M=78.72, SD=14.66). The total scores reflected
the level of psychosocial changes which measured the Self-determination and Peer
relationship. The scores are ranked as following: scores 22 = Decrease; scores ≥23,
≤44= Did not increase or decrease; scores ≥45, ≤66= Increased a little bit, may be;
scores ≥67, ≤88= Increased some, I am sure; scores ≥89, ≤110= Increased a lot, I am
sure. The higher the scores campers acquired, the lager the psychosocial changes.
Therefore, the hypothesis that there were psychosocial changes of adolescents after
camping was accepted with mean score 78.72.
Interactions between Gender and Age in Psychosocial Changes
A two-way ANOVA was executed to explore the interactions between gender
and age in psychosocial changes. Participants were divided into two groups based on
their age (age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18) and gender (males and females).
20
Table 3 represented the result of the interactions between gender and age. There was
significant interaction effect (F= 6.122, P=.014) between gender (males v.s. females)
and age groups (age group of 12-14 v.s. age group of 15-18) in psychosocial changes
at the .05 level of significance. Besides, Graph1 showed below plots the interactions
between age and gender with an interaction point that reached cross effect. Therefore,
the hypothesis that there were significant interactions between gender and age was
accepted.
Table 3 Tests of Between-Subjects Effects
Source F Sig.
Agegp
Gender
.853
.003
.356
.959
Agegp*Gender 6.122 .014
Graph 1 Estimated Marginal Means of Total
21
In addition, Table 4 represented the result of how effective of gender in
psychosocial changes depends on the age groups and how effective of age groups in
psychosocial changes depends on gender. It was found that males in age group of
15-18 (N=107) have a higher response to the psychosocial changes (M=81.47,
SD=13.29) than males in age group of 12-14 (N=223, M=76.90, SD=16.09). On the
contrary, females in age group of 15-18 (N=96) have a lower response to the
psychosocial changes (M=78.21, SD=13.17) than females in age group of 12-14
(N=102, M=80.29, SD=13.62). Similarly, this result also showed in table 5 by split
file. Male in between groups, the senior age group of 15-18 have a higher response to
the psychosocial changes (F=6.505, P=.011) than junior age group of 12-14. However,
for females, the senior age group of 15-18 have a lower response to the psychosocial
changes (F=1.198, P=.275) than junior age group of 12-14.
Furthermore, it was also found that with same age groups, age group of 12-14,
females have a higher response to the psychosocial changes (M= 80.29, SD=13.62)
than males (M= 76.90, SD=16.09). Whereas, in age group of 15-18, females have a
lower response to the psychosocial changes (M= 78.21, SD=13.17) than males (M=
81.47, SD=13.29).
22
Table 4 Descriptive Statistics
Age Groups Gender Mean Std. Deviation N
Agegp 12-14
Male
Female
Total
76.8969
80.2941
77.9631
16.08545
13.6197
15.41439
223
102
325
Agegp 15-18
Male
Female
Total
81.4673
78.2083
79.9261
13.28733
13.17008
13.29965
107
96
203
Total Score
Male
Female
Total
78.3788
79.2828
78.7178
15.36443
13.41038
14.65576
330
198
528
Gender Age Groups Mean Std. Deviation N
Male
Female
Total Score
Agegp 12-14
Agegp 15-18
Total
Agegp 12-14
Agegp 15-18
Total
Agegp 12-14
Agegp 15-18
Total
76.8969
81.4673
78.3788
80.2941
78.2083
79.2828
77.9631
79.9261
78.7178
16.08545
13.28733
15.36443
13.61972
13.17008
13.41038
15.41439
13.29965
14.65576
223
107
330
102
96
198
325
203
528
Difference in psychosocial changes between males and females
The result of a two way between groups analysis of variance testing the mean
difference in psychosocial changes between males and females was showed in Table 3
and 4 respectively. There was no significant mean difference (F=.003, P=.959)
between males and females in psychosocial changes. Also, there are similar mean
between males (N=330, M= 78.38, SD=15.36) and females (N=198, M= 79.28,
SD=13.41). Therefore, the hypothesis that there was a significant mean difference in
psychosocial changes between males and females was rejected.
23
Difference in psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 and age
group of 15-18
In order to determine the mean difference in psychosocial changes between age
group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18, a two way between groups analysis of
variance was conducted. Table 3 and 4 represented the result of the mean difference in
psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18. There was
no significant mean difference (F=.853, P=.356) between age group of 12-14 and age
group of 15-18 in psychosocial changes. Also, there are similar mean between age
group of 12-14 (N=325, M= 77.96, SD=15.41) and age group of 15-18 (N=203, M=
79.92, SD=13.30). Therefore, the hypothesis that there was a significant mean
difference in psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 and age group of
15-18 was rejected.
Discussion
Participants received psychosocial changes after camping
According to ACA (2005), adolescents gained benefits in psychosocial changes
including enhancing social skills, self-determination and leadership after camping.
Similar result was found in the present study. Campers improved their psychosocial
status after camping (M=78.72, SD=14.66). 50.8% campers acquired more than mean
24
scores which is 78.72 which indicated that half of them sure that they have enhanced
some psychosocial changes which are peer-relationship and self-determined after
camping (scores ≥67, ≤88= Increased some, I am sure). Based on Thurber, Scanlin,
Scheuler, and Henderson (2007), they indicated that camp acts as an educational
institution which benefits to the growth of adolescents in psychosocial. Therefore,
camp experience can powerfully influence psychosocial changes of adolescents after
engaging in camp.
Interactions between gender and age in psychosocial changes
The present study found that there were interactions between gender and age in
psychosocial changes of adolescents after camping (F= 6.122, P=.014). Based on the
result, it indicated that with same gender, there are different response levels to the
psychosocial changes with different age groups. For males, senior campers who are
age 15-18 (M=81.47, SD=13.29) possess greater psychosocial changes than junior
campers who are age 12-14 (M=76.90, SD=16.09) as personality of senior male
adolescents are more mature conscientiousness and stability. Hence, they are more
eager to build up friendship with other (Perry, & Pauletti, 2011). On the other hand,
females who are age 15-18 (M=78.21, SD=13.17) possess lower psychosocial
changes than junior campers who are age 12-14 (M=80.29, SD=13.62). The reason is
25
the senior female adolescents are in the stage of puberty, they tend to be introverted
and changes not to express their feel as junior females adolescents do. (Perry, &
Pauletti, 2011). Hence, they relatively meet fewer friends and have lower
self-determination change. Thus, it can be concluded that the older the male campers,
the high response level to the psychosocial changes. However, the older the female
campers, the lower response level to the psychosocial changes.
Apart from that, based on the result, it also indicated that with same age group,
there is different response level to the psychosocial changes with different gender as
well. For age group of 12-14, males (M= 76.90, SD=16.09) possess lower response to
the psychosocial changes than females (M= 80.29, SD=13.62). It is because the
females are “people oriented”. Due to the personality of stressful and emotional of
females, they are more socialized to express their feeling. (Perry, & Pauletti, 2011).
Hence, they are active to build up peer relationship during camping. Nevertheless, for
age group of 15-18, males (M= 81.47, SD=13.29) possess higher response to the
psychosocial changes than females (M= 78.21, SD=13.17). Since males relatively
have a higher self-esteem when compare to female adolescents, so they have more
psychosocial changes than female campers in this age groups. (Perry, & Pauletti,
2011). In short, male campers have lower response level to the psychosocial changes
26
than female campers within age group of 12-14. However, male campers have
stronger response level to the psychosocial changes than female campers within age
group of 15-18.
Psychosocial changes between genders
Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler, and Henderson (2007), suggested that there is no
significance result showing different gender influence the psychosocial changes. The
same result was found in the present study. Both male and female campers experience
psychosocial changes after camping. Male campers (M= 78.38) and female campers
(M= 79.28) are sure to enhance their peer-relationship and self-determined status
which reach the score range: scores ≥67, ≤88 that means “Increased some, I am sure”.
Hence, there were no significance differences between male and female campers in
psychosocial changes after camping.
Psychosocial changes between age groups
It was found that different age campers have different psychosocial changes
(Hedrick, Homan, &Dick, 2009). Similarly, Marsh (1999), indicated that campers
with younger age gained lager benefits of psychosocial changes from camping
experience. However, the present study indicated that there was no significant mean
27
difference in psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 and age group of
15-18 in Hong Kong. Both age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18 experience
psychosocial changes after camping. Age group of 12-14 (M= 77.96) and age group
of 15-18 (M=79.92) reach the score range: scores ≥67, ≤88 that means
“Increased some, I am sure” that are sure to enhance their peer-relationship and
self-determined status.
Chapter 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The aims of this study are to identify psychosocial changes of the adolescents
after camping. Also, it serves to determine the interactions between gender and age
groups. Moreover, it attempted to examine the difference in psychosocial changes
between gender, as well as age groups of the adolescents.
SUMMARY
In order to investigate the psychosocial changes of the adolescents after camping,
528 campers were selected from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Jockey
Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday
Camp, and Hong Kong PHAB Association Pokfulam PHAB Camp. And
28
Self-Determination and Peer Relationship scales are adopted to measure the
psychosocial changes.
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized to analyze
the data collected. Statistical techniques including Descriptive Statistics and Two Way
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted.
The present study showed that the campers received psychosocial changes which
are self-determination and peer relationship after camping. Besides, there were
significant interactions between gender and age. The older the male campers, the
stronger response level to the psychosocial changes than the younger campers.
However, the younger the female campers, the stronger response level to the
psychosocial changes. Moreover, male campers have lower response level to the
psychosocial changes than female campers within age group of 12-14. Whereas, male
campers have stronger response level to the psychosocial changes than female
campers within age group of 15-18.
In addition, there was no significant mean difference in psychosocial changes
between male and female campers. Also, there was no significant mean difference in
29
psychosocial changes between age group of 12-14 and age group of 15-18 after
camping.
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations, the following conclusions are drew:
1. The participants received psychosocial changes which including
self-determination and peer relationship after participating into camp
activities.
2. The response level of same gender to the psychosocial changes was different
with different age groups. The older the male campers, the stronger response
level to the psychosocial changes than the younger campers. However, the
younger the female campers, the stronger response level to the psychosocial
changes than the older female campers.
3. The response level of same age groups to the psychosocial changes was
different with different genders. Within age group of 12-14, male campers
have lower response level to the psychosocial changes than female campers.
Whereas, within age group of 15-18, male campers have stronger response
level to the psychosocial changes than female campers.
4. There was no significant difference in psychosocial changes between male
30
campers and female campers. Both of them enhanced their psychosocial
status after engaging to camp.
5. There was no significant difference in psychosocial changes between age
group of 12-14 and age group 15-18. Both age groups enhanced their
psychosocial status after camping.
RECOMMENDATION
The following are the recommendation for the further studies:
1. The activity programs delivered to campers are not totally the same. Some
activities were organized and led by schools and they only use camp as venue.
Thus, subjects who are participated into activities which planned and led by
the campsite should be selected.
2. The result of the present study reflected a short-term of the psychosocial
changes of adolescents after the camping experience through 1-4 days. A
follow-up session to investigate the stability and sustainability of the
psychosocial changes should be conducted.
3. The duration of subjects stay in camp could be a crucial variable that
influence the psychosocial changes of campers. Thus, duration variable is
recommended to do in the further study.
31
4. Questionnaires were carried out immediately at the end of the camping. The
atmosphere such as campers in a high emotion, they are excited about camp,
thus they are likely to share positive experiences when filled in the
questionnaires. A quiet and formal venue is recommended for campers who
are filling the questionnaires. Thus, they can calm down themselves and treat
it more formally.
32
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36
營地活動對青少年心理社交的改變問卷調查
第一部分:
本問卷為香港浸會大學體育及康樂管理(榮譽)文學士畢業論文之研究。 此問卷有關青少年參與營地活
動後,心理社交方面的改變。參與此次問卷調查乃屬自願性質, 並不存在任何利益關係。而此問卷內容
(包括私人資料) 絕對保密,資料只作研究用途。所有個人資料會在研究報告完成後銷毀。
第二部分:
請仔細閱讀每條問題,並將適當的 O填滿。
參與營地活動後, 我......
退步 沒有改進或退步 小許改進 有些改進 大量改進
1.變得更善於選擇益友 O O O O O
2.變得更善於在空餘時計劃參與新的
活動
O O O O O
3.變得更善於與朋友傾談對他們重要
的事情
O O O O O
4.變得更善於瞭解新事物
O O O O O
5.變得更善於細心聆聽朋友傾訴的內
容
O O O O O
6.變得更善於藝術製作
O O O O O
7.變得更善於與朋友傾談對自己重要
的事情
O O O O O
8.變得更善於計劃休閒活動
O O O O O
9.變得更善於瞭解關心朋友的事情
O O O O O
10.變得更善於與其他人進行休閒活動
O O O O O
11.變得更善於體諒朋友的感受 O O O O O
12.變得更善於認識新朋友 O O O O O
APPENDIX A
37
退步 沒有改進或退步 小許改進 有些改進 大量改進
13.變得更善於體諒朋友的情緒
O O O O O
14.變得更善於照顧自己
O O O O O
15. 變得更善於被朋友信任
O O O O O
16. 變得更善於學習新事物
O O O O O
17.變得更善於信任自己的朋友
O O O O O
18. 變得更善於享受與朋友一起
O O O O O
19.變得更善於令朋友感覺到與我一起
有美好時光
O O O O O
20.變得更善於尋找方法認識我想成為
朋友的人
O O O O O
21.變得更善於瞭解我想成為朋友的人
O O O O O
22.變得更善於認識與自己有相同興趣
的朋友
O O O O O
第三部分:
個人資料:
請在適當的□填上✓
性別: □ 男 □女
年齡:__________________
就讀級別:________________
參與的營地活動主辦機構: _______________________________________________________
參與營地活動日數: _______________________
感謝您填寫此調查問卷