ERIC Number: EJ1081251
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Dec
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Natural Medicine: Wilderness Experience Outcomes for Combat Veterans
Dietrich, Zachary Clayborne; Joye, Shauna Wilson; Garcia, Joseph Amos
Journal of Experiential Education, v38 n4 p394-406 Dec 2015
Wilderness Experience Programs (WEPs) have been shown to enhance psychological well-being for numerous populations. However, among veteran populations, these studies have historically evaluated programs that are short-term experiences, usually less than 1 week. The current research sought to evaluate a WEP for post-9/11 combat veterans engaging in a 6-month long-distance thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Narratives were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative data analyses, and four themes were revealed: Social Reconnection, Life-Improving Change, Inner Peace and Psychological Healing, and Processing and Reflection.
Descriptors: Physical Environment, Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Veterans Education, Veterans, Program Evaluation, Recreational Activities, Personal Narratives, Grounded Theory, Qualitative Research, Data Analysis, Interpersonal Competence, Well Being, Semi Structured Interviews, Motivation, Quality of Life, Self Concept, Reflection, Therapy, Socialization
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia; Maine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A