This succinct report explores the enduring impact of induction-based outdoor adventure experiences on higher education students’ psychological resilience and personal growth. The report draws on related literature and presents findings from empirical research. Findings indicate that there are significant increases across cohorts in psychological resilience immediately following an outdoor adventure-based residential. This approach requires quite a significant budget to design and replicate the programme. However, the report provides evidence for adopting an outdoor adventure approach on a smaller scale, for first year induction and other key transition periods during the higher education student cycle.
Resource
Here’s the report: Building student resilience through first-year outdoor adventure residential experience in higher education (PDF 80 KB – opens in a new window)
Authors
John Allan, Jim McKenna and Mark Robinson
Publication
August 2008