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Anxiety in Outdoor Experiential Education: Examining Predictors, Sources, and Implications for Program Design
Curt Davidson1, Hannah McConnell2, Kelsie Sibbald3
1Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, Moab, UT 84532, USA.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Pre-trip anxiety impacts participation in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE). Less experienced individuals and females, especially in water activities, report higher anxiety, which remains stable over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Outdoor Education
- Experiential Learning
Background:
- Pre-trip anxiety is an understudied factor affecting engagement in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE).
- Anxiety can act as both a motivator and a barrier to participation in challenging outdoor activities.
- Understanding the nuances of pre-trip anxiety is crucial for enhancing participant preparedness and program success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the sources, predictors, and temporal progression of pre-trip anxiety in OEE participants.
- To investigate the influence of experience level, gender, and activity type on pre-trip anxiety.
- To identify implications for OEE program design and intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional design utilizing data from students and staff at two Midwestern universities.
- Data collected at three time points preceding an OEE program.
- Measures included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a course-specific worry scale.
Main Results:
- Participant experience level predicted anxiety, with less experienced individuals reporting higher concerns.
- Female participants exhibited greater pre-trip anxiety, particularly for water-based activities.
- Anxiety levels remained relatively stable across the observed time intervals.
Conclusions:
- Experience level and gender are significant factors influencing pre-trip anxiety in OEE.
- Interventions to mitigate pre-trip anxiety can be effective at various pre-program stages.
- Findings support targeted interventions and marketing adjustments to reduce participation barriers and improve preparedness.
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