Bettman, J., & Tucker, A. R. (2011). Shifts in attachment relationships: A study of adolescents in wilderness treatment. Child and Youth Care Forum. DOI 10.1007/s10566-011-9146-6

Abstract : This study examined shifts in adolescents’ attachment relationships with parents
and peers during a 7-week wilderness therapy program. Ninety-six adolescents, aged
14–17, completed three quantitative measurements evaluating attachment relationships
with mother, father and peers pre and post treatment. Adolescents reported improved
attachment relationships in terms of decreased anger and increased emotional connection
towards parents. Results also showed adolescents’ more troubled attachment relationships
in terms of trust and communication with parents by the end of treatment. Adolescents
reported similarly mixed results in both a positive and negative direction regarding peers.
These findings indicate the complexity of parent–adolescent relationships particularly
considered in the context of out-of-home care and point to the importance of continued
exploration in this area.