Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify behavioral changes among abused adolescent males residing in a residential treatment facility after participating in a recreational therapy program founded upon the standardized School Social Behavior Scales. A quasi-experimental research design was used to determine the effect of the ten-week, sixty-minute therapeutic recreation program focused on behavior. Participants (N = 18) were assigned to one of three groups. Two experimental groups participated in the therapeutic recreation program and a control group was placed in a traditional program. A pretest and posttest was administered with a validated behavioral rating instrument. The results indicated a significant improvement in interpersonal self-management skills within each experimental group. A significant reduction in hostile-irritable behavior and antisocial aggressive behavior was also evident within each experimental group. There was no significant difference found in the pretest or posttest for the control group. The results supported the provision of therapeutic recreation services in residential treatment facilities for abused children. Stress, conflict, and aggressive behavior are indeed treatable with therapeutic recreation activities. Cooperative activities promoting trust and group communication are suggested. Supplemental education addressing social skills is also recommended when a lack in this area is indicated by behaviors. Replication of this study with an expanded age-group to include elementary-age mates would provide additional information of a wider scope. Moreover, replicating the study with adolescent female and coed subjects would offer yet another perspective leading to valid and effective treatments for these populations. Additionally, it is recommended to conduct such future study with participants newly admitted to residential facilities and follow up immediately before discharge.