Emotional Awareness Developed through the Use of Outdoor Experiential Programs
Emotional Awareness Developed through the Use of Outdoor Experiential Programs
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Issue Date
2011
Authors
Bridges, Jodi E.
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Abstract
This study explored twelve participants' perspectives on the development of emotional awareness in children while working with them as facilitators (therapists/counselors, educators, and leaders) of outdoor experiential programs. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used as a research method to explore each participant's perspective. A review of the literature on nature deficit disorder, emotional development, emotional awareness, and hermeneutic phenomenology provided a framework for the study. The researcher conducted individual interviews with the participants in order to obtain their perspectives. The researcher analyzed and interpreted the information obtained from the participants, and subsequently developed categories and themes, which are detailed in the results and discussion portion of this study. The findings of this study indicate that facilitators of outdoor experiential programs are observing various aspects of emotional development and awareness in children through the use of their programs; key aspects included positive self-regard (pride, esteem, and confidence), communication (verbal and body language), bonding, teamwork, reflection, and transformation. The participants attribute many of the children's positive emotional experiences to the outdoor settings they utilize. It is the researcher's belief that the outcomes of this study are consistent with other research in demonstrating that nature provides a positive environment for children and that they benefit emotionally from their experiences in outdoor experiential programs.