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Table 2 Effect on Coping

From: Therapeutic recreation camps for youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: perceived psychosocial benefits

Control over identity …to be who you are, and own lupus, don’t let it own you…[learned from] the campers [who had lupus for] longer being their own person, [and continue to be] who they are… (patient)

Acceptance [Lupus camp] got me out of my shell because I knew people were like me around me, so it helped me with my accepting having lupus. (patient)

Cognitive reframing of limits They would always have us doing a lot of active work like [rock climbing and even zipline], and it helped in a way… we might be considered weaker because of our immune system, but [we don’t] have to let that take over us… it helped me get in the mindset of- oh, I might feel like I’m a lot weaker, but I can still do all of this stuff. (patient)

Action over Fear I know how to take control of [my health]. I can’t be scared of the sun all the time… I love that [we teach campers to use] sunscreen to protect yourself [and] not be scared. (patient)

Positive outlook …after the first camp, she had positive outlook on things and she was able to hear others’ experience with it [and] become more aware of what was possible …and that [lupus] could be managed and that she could have a full life not hindered by her lupus… (parent)

Courage, metaphor for life …it’s more of a mindset thing, but what excites me about the obstacle course is that it puts a lot of pressure on your body… and it’s a motivator because it’s really an accomplished feeling when you’re at the top … I always feel a sense of determination- I have to do it. I have to show the younger kids that I’m not scared, though I am definitely terrified. (patient)

Confidence, learned skills …she got more confident [after coming back from lupus camp]. She was able to take someone else’s experiences [and] how they handle certain situations and …do some of that in her life and make some changes, and she benefited from it. (parent)