Davidson Curt, McConnell Hannah, Sibbald Kelsie, Croft Brian, Zwart Ryan
Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, Moab, UT 84532, USA.
Indiana University Outdoor Adventures, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
Behav Sci (Basel). 2025 Jun 4;15(6):777. doi: 10.3390/bs15060777.
Pre-trip anxiety is a critical yet understudied factor influencing participation and engagement in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) programs. Anxiety can serve as both a motivator and a barrier, shaping participants' willingness to engage in challenging activities. This study examines the sources, predictors, and temporal progression of pre-trip anxiety among OEE participants, with a focus on experience level, gender differences, and activity type. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from students and staff at two Midwestern universities across three time points leading to an OEE program. Measures included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a course-specific worry scale assessing concerns such as physical ability, social dynamics, and environmental risks. Results indicate that experience level can predict anxiety, with less experienced participants reporting higher levels of concern. Gender differences were also observed, with female participants exhibiting greater pre-trip anxiety, particularly in water-based activities. However, anxiety remained relatively stable across time intervals, suggesting that interventions may be effective at multiple stages before a program begins. These findings have practical implications for OEE design, including targeted pre-trip interventions, adjusted program marketing, and tailored support strategies to reduce barriers to participation and enhance student preparedness.
旅行前焦虑是影响户外体验教育（OEE）项目参与度和投入度的一个关键但研究不足的因素。焦虑既可以是一种动力，也可以是一种障碍，它塑造着参与者参与挑战性活动的意愿。本研究考察了OEE参与者旅行前焦虑的来源、预测因素和时间进程，重点关注经验水平、性别差异和活动类型。采用横断面设计，在两个中西部大学的学生和工作人员中，在OEE项目开始前的三个时间点收集数据。测量工具包括状态-特质焦虑量表（STAI）和一个特定课程的担忧量表，用于评估对身体能力、社交动态和环境风险等方面的担忧。结果表明，经验水平可以预测焦虑，经验较少的参与者报告的担忧程度更高。还观察到了性别差异，女性参与者表现出更高的旅行前焦虑，尤其是在水上活动中。然而，焦虑在各个时间间隔内保持相对稳定，这表明干预措施在项目开始前的多个阶段可能是有效的。这些发现对OEE设计具有实际意义，包括有针对性的旅行前干预、调整项目营销以及量身定制支持策略，以减少参与障碍并增强学生的准备程度。
