Maturing Responsibility in Young Teens Participating in an Asthma Camp: Adaptive Mechanisms and Outcomes

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to describe adolescent adaptation in the four adaptive modes of the Roy Adaptation Model in campers attending a Young Teen Asthma Camp and relate that adaptation to the acquisition of asthma responsibility. DESIGN AND METHODS. The camp experience included asthma education and an opportunity to grow socially. A quasi-experimental design investigated ratings of self-efficacy and responsibility from before to after camp. RESULTS. Improvements in self-efficacy supported adaptation in self-concept and role function. Adolescents demonstrated maturing responsibility in asthma management in interdependence mode. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Asthma camps are effective for delivering asthma education, enhancing maturation, and assisting with normalizing life experiences. Nurses can be instrumental in facilitating adolescents’ participation.