Adventure-based family intervention in strengthening family resilience during pandemic and postpandemic periods

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of adventure-based family intervention (ABFI) groups in strengthening family resilience, improving family relationships, and enhancing individual well-being among Chinese families during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpandemic periods. Method: A three-arm quasi-experimental design was employed, comprising (1) the ABFI group with an overnight camp (ABFI-CAMP), (2) the ABFI group with parent and child parallel group sessions and a day camp (ABFI-PARALLEL), and (3) a control group that did not participate in any ABFI programs. Results: Participants exhibited increased family resilience, marital satisfaction, life satisfaction, and personal resilience, alongside a reduction in parent–child conflict, hopelessness, and mental health symptoms compared to the control group. The ABFI-CAMP group demonstrated better outcomes compared to the ABFI-PARALLEL group. Discussion: ABFI groups are effective in strengthening family resilience, improving family relationships, and enhancing individual well-being among families during times of adversity, offering important insights for social work practice.