An Investigation of Self-Efficacy in a Freshman Wilderness Experience Program

The purpose of this study was to further investigate the link(s) between wilderness programs and the development of self-efficacy in first-year college students. Self-efficacy in first year college students is important because in order for students to successfully complete college, they have to deal or cope with many challenges and stressors, and the higher one\u27s self-efficacy the more likely students are to actively cope with the challenges and stresses they face (Davenport & Lane, 2006). The study also explored how participants in the wilderness group were impacted in specific ways,in relation to their self-efficacy based on self-reported statements provided in their written essays. The researchers hoped to evaluate the benefits of this project for both practical implications and the comparison to self-efficacy theory

Exploring the Motivations of BASE Jumpers: Extreme Sport Enthusiasts

Little previous research has been conducted exploring the motivational factors that influence a person\u27s desire to participate in extreme sports. The researchers used a means-end approach (e.g. semi-structured interviews) to explore motivations for participation in the extreme sport of BASE jumping. BASE jumping is the activity of parachuting from bridges, buildings, antennas, and cliffs, in which participants have been identified as voluntary-risk takers. The results indicated that BASE jumpers deliberately took risks as a means of becoming positively transformed, which was essential to their quality of life. The study findings hold important implications for researchers interested in further studies of extreme subcultures as well as practitioners interested in developing adventure tourism opportunities targeted toward extreme subcultures

Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy: Scale Development and Reliability

Outdoor Recreation Self-Efficacy: Scale Development and Reliability Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy holds much promise for understanding the value of participation in outdoor recreation. This study evaluated the factor structure and internal consistency of a new outdoor recreation self-efficacy measure. Factor analysis revealed two subscales; Enjoyment/Accomplishment (61.84%) and Skills/Competence (12.71%) accounting for 74.54% of the explained variance in outdoor recreation self-efficacy. Reliabilities for the Enjoyment/Accomplishment (&#;=.95) and Skills/Competence (&#; =.94) subscales, and 17-item scale (&#; =.96) show a high degree of internal consistency. A significant relationship exists between ORSE scores and participation in outdoor recreation (r = .52; p \u3c .001). Results indicated having fun and enjoying oneself during outdoor recreation activities contributed more to a woman’s self-efficacy than feeling skilled or competent, confirming Bandura’s thoughts about the nature of self-efficacy. Researchers can use this instrument with confidence; it provides a reliable and valid measure for assessing the self-efficacy of women who participate in outdoor recreation activities

The Development of Ecological Literacy among Novice Outdoor Leaders

The Development of Ecological Literacy among Novice Outdoor Leaders Abstract Professional outdoor leaders play a central role in educating the public to use outdoor recreation areas in an environmentally responsible manner. Yet little research exists regarding the preparation of outdoor leaders to fulfill this role. To help fill this void in the literature, this study examined the development of several elements of ecological literacy among novice outdoor leaders, specifically, knowledge of environmental impacts resulting from outdoor recreation activities, a sense of self-efficacy in mitigating these impacts through education, and intended continued involvement in the field of outdoor leadership. The sample consisted of participants in courses offered by the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) May through October 2007. Results showed statistically significant increases in knowledge of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and self-efficacy in teaching environmental ethics. However, results showed a decrease in intention to pursue further development in outdoor leadership

The Intersection of Community and Place in an Outdoor Orientation Program

This study investigated outcomes of a college outdoor orientation program that utilized 3, 4, 5, and 12-day adventure based trips. Sense of community and sense of place were measured using a one-sample pre/post-test design (n = 118). Paired sample t-tests were implemented to explore differences and, in general, students reported significant changes following participation. Students demonstrated increases in the number of their friends, trusted individuals, and 6 of the 7 factorial components measuring sense of community and sense of place (p \u3c .05). The importance of community and place is discussed, highlighting suggestions and implications for future consideration in outdoor orientation programming