Hiking in the shadow of Mt Doom: how outdoor adventure programs can impact locus of control in university students

Locus of Control (LOC) is measured by a brief survey designed to determine an 'internal' or 'external' locus. Internal LOC signifies ownership of the consequences of one's actions. Individuals with a more internal LOC tend to have higher determents of positive mental health....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adventure education and outdoor learning 2023-07, Vol.23 (3), p.258-269
Main Authors: Smith, Carol A., Thomas, Erica N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adventure
Adventure Education
College Students
Ecotourism
experiential
Experiential learning
Foreign Countries
Locus of Control
Mental Health
Outdoor education
outdoors
Self Concept
Student Attitudes
Study Abroad
University students
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Summary:Locus of Control (LOC) is measured by a brief survey designed to determine an 'internal' or 'external' locus. Internal LOC signifies ownership of the consequences of one's actions. Individuals with a more internal LOC tend to have higher determents of positive mental health. This study investigated the impact on the LOC of university students after a 25-day program focused on adventure-based eco-tourism where the participants hiked, camped, white water rafted and took part in other adventure-based activities. We found the results further support previous studies that determined adventure programs enhanced internality measured quantitatively through Locus of Control. Qualitative responses indicated greater self-reliance due to enhanced belief in ability.
ISSN:1472-9679
1754-0402
DOI:10.1080/14729679.2021.2011336