Outdoor adventure experiences can improve young adults’ well-being and life satisfactionOutdoor adventure programs are commonly viewed as a way to enhance young people’s connection with nature while supporting their personal and social development. Research investigating outdoor adventure programs has shown that they are effective in supporting such positive outcomes. However, few studies have examined the impact of outdoor adventure programs during early adulthood. There is also a paucity of research examining the mental health and well-being benefits of outdoor adventure programs. To address these gaps in the research, this study aimed to explore how participation in outdoor adventures affects emerging adults’ perceived well-being and connection with nature.
Sixteen vocational students who completed a voluntary outdoor education course in Finland participated in the study. The students were in their second year of a program to obtain basic qualifications in education. The outdoor adventure course aimed to provide nature experiences, improve outdoor skills and increase understanding of nature-based learning approaches. The course involved a three-day canoeing trip, a three-day hiking trip and other nature-based activities involving adventure and challenge in Finnish National Parks. The participants included 13 women and 3 men who had rarely or never experienced overnight hiking. Most participants (11) were 17–18 years old, three were age 19–30, and two were older than 30. A mixed methods research design was used to examine how the course impacted perceived well-being and connection with nature. Quantitative data was collected with pre- and post-questionnaires administered at the start and end of the course. Both the pre- and post-questionnaires measured: (1) subjective well-being with assessments of life satisfaction and vitality, and (2) nature connection with the Inclusion of Nature in Self (INS) scale. The post-questionnaire included additional assessments of well-being during the trips that addressed a range of potential emotional, social and physical impacts. Participants were also asked to indicate the most “pleasant, influential, and difficult” activities during the trips. Open-ended questions allowed participants to further describe the feelings they experienced as a result of the outdoor adventures. Qualitative interview data was collected to gain deeper insight into participants’ experiences. Small group interviews were conducted with a total of nine students (6 women, 3 men) who volunteered to participate at the conclusion of the course. Questionnaire data was statistically analyzed to compare differences between pre- and post-intervention responses. Interview data were analyzed through coding.
Results indicated that participants experienced a variety of psychological well-being benefits. These included frequently experiencing positive feelings (safety, happiness, calmness, and vitality) and rarely experiencing negative feelings (nervousness, depression, and loneliness) during adventure activities. Participants reported restorative outcomes such as relief from stress and anxiety. Comparison of pre- and post-questionnaires found significant improvements in satisfaction with life scores; however, subjective vitality scores did not significantly change. Negative emotions were often related to exhaustion, hunger or weather conditions. On the other hand, testing endurance and overcoming such challenges was perceived as a satisfying experience that increased self-confidence. Participants identified social well-being benefits, such as forming relationships, group bonding experiences, and peer support, as the most enjoyable components of the trips. Participants also enjoyed the ways physical connection with nature— “seeing beautiful nature, listening to silence, and breathing fresh air”—enhanced their well-being. Despite these positive experiences in nature, comparison of pre- and post-questionnaires did not show significant changes in participants’ nature connectedness scores. However, participants felt their interest in nature was enhanced. Some indicated that they were more motivated to spend time in nature in their everyday lives because of the well-being benefits they experienced. Some also reported increased appreciation for nature.
Overall, findings suggest that outdoor adventure experiences can improve young adults’ engagement with nature and subjective well-being. Participants experienced numerous mental health benefits, including improvements in mood, restoration and life satisfaction, as well as social well-being benefits. Additionally, the outdoor adventure course enhanced interest in nature and motivation to engage with nature. Although the study failed to demonstrate significant improvements in participants’ connection to nature, it is possible that high levels of nature connectedness prior to the trips may have influenced the results. Nonetheless, findings support the use of outdoor adventures during emerging adulthood as an effective approach to promoting well-being, connection with nature and social cohesion. Future research might examine the long-term benefits of outdoor adventure.
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