JOURNAL ARTICLE

Exploring Mental Health Outcome Variables in Outdoor Adventure and Experiential Education.

  • Published In: Journal of Experiential Education, 2024, v. 47, n. 2. P. 185 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Davidson, Curt; Ewert, Alan 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the impact of participation in outdoor adventure and experiential education (OAEE) programs on mental health variables—specifically anxiety, depression, hope, and resilience—among youth aged 14 to 22 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a retrospective pretest design and validated psychological inventories, the study found that OAEE participation was associated with significantly increased resilience and hope, alongside decreased anxiety, depression, and overall negative mental health symptoms. Although the sample size was small (N=22), the findings suggest that OAEE programs may offer therapeutic benefits for managing mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The study highlights the need for further research to better understand and optimize the mental health outcomes of OAEE interventions.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Experiential Education. 2024/06, Vol. 47, Issue 2, p185
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1053-8259
  • DOI:10.1177/10538259231226315
  • Accession Number:177434652
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Experiential Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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