Challenge/Initiative Recreation Programs as a Treatment for Low Self-Concept Children

An investigation was initiated to determine if challenge/initiative games, conducted in an existing recreation setting for one hour daily, could be an effective treatment to enhance the self-concept of abused children living in a residential care facility. Over 28 consecutive days, a treatment group (N = 18) of abused children received one hour of challenge/initiative games (“New,” cooperative, or adventure games inclusive of a debriefing segment). A control group (N = 20) of abused children participated for one hour daily in a traditional recreational (playground, diversionary, or competitive) games program.The results indicated that challenge/initiative games significantly enhanced four out of six components of self-concept in abused children, as measured by the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale. Based on the results of this study, recreation professionals should consider incorporating challenge/initiative games as a part of their structured programs.