@article{ref1,
title="Self-perception among children exposed to family violence: a pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of a strengths-based camp intervention",
journal="Child and youth care forum",
year="2023",
author="Hasselle, Amanda J. and Howell, Kathryn H. and Gilliam, Hannah C.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="Self-perception is an important internal resource, and violence exposure can negatively impact children's view of themselves. Although camp interventions can enhance self-perception, research has not yet examined whether camp interventions improve self-perception among children affected by family violence. Camp-based interventions promote health equity by addressing common barriers to service engagement.   Objective  Using a non-masked, parallel randomized controlled design, this pilot study evaluated whether a camp-based intervention (i.e., Camp HOPE) enhanced self-perception among youth exposed to family violence.   Method  Participants included 47 children aged 7-12 (M = 9.55, SD = 1.63; 79% Black/African American) and one of their adult caregivers seeking services from a Family Justice Center. Children were assigned to the camp (n = 23) or waitlist control (n = 24) condition using block randomization. Caregiver-child dyads completed evaluations at baseline, 2-month follow-up, and 5-month follow-up. Children reported on three self-perception domains: Social Competence, Behavioral Conduct, and Global Self-Worth (GSW). Piecewise latent growth curve models evaluated between-group differences in self-perception at 2- and 5-month follow-up.   Results  Findings from intent-to-treat analyses indicated that Camp HOPE may have a temporary, negative impact on children's GSW (Diff. = − 2.65; SE = 1.22; p = 0.029; g = 0.63). Supplemental &quot;as-treated&quot; analyses revealed no significant differences between children who attended and did not attend the camp.   Conclusions  Results are inconsistent with previous findings that camp interventions enhance self-perception, raising important questions about the unique experiences of youth exposed to family violence. Given these findings, Camp HOPE America might consider modifications to enhance effectiveness.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1053-1890",
doi="10.1007/s10566-023-09744-x",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10566-023-09744-x"
}