The effect of an adventure experiential learning programme on demensions of selfperseption of youth

The objective of this study was to determine whether an adventure experiental learning programme had an effect on the self-perception as an emotional component of youth, as well as the sustainability of the proposed change. Twenty-eight youths (18 males and 10 females) aged 17-19 years old participated in the study and were tested on three occasions, namely on arrival at the Adventure School, directly after the intervention programme and five weeks there after to determine the sustainability of the adventure experiential learning programme. The effect on self-perception was determined by means of two tests, the Self-perception Scale (SPS) and the Comprehensive Functioning Inventory: Post matric (CFI-post). Data analysis was performed using PASWIN 2000. The SAS System for Windows Release was used to indicate the differences between variables. Practical significance was established by means of effect size. All the different dimensions improved after the post test with a slight difference between the post test and the retention test. The study showed that the adventure experiential learning programme had a medium effect (d=0.59) on the self-perception of participants with an average sustainability of the proposed change. Keywords: Adventure; Experiential learning; Self-perception; Youth; Intervention. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol. 29 (1) 2007: pp. 91-11