Can outdoor activities develop resilience in children — what evidence?

Building Resilience through Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities have been shown to foster resilience in children, particularly when they are faced with challenges and overcome obstacles. Research by Hymel and McDougall (2008) found that children who participated in outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, reported increased self-esteem and confidence. This is likely due to the development of coping skills and problem-solving abilities that occur when children are immersed in natural environments.

Developing Stress Inoculation

Stress inoculation, a concept developed by Meichenbaum (1977), involves exposing individuals to increasingly difficult situations to build their ability to cope with stress. Outdoor activities, such as wilderness survival training, can provide children with the opportunity to develop stress inoculation. By learning skills, such as starting a fire and building a shelter, children can build confidence and develop a sense of self-efficacy. This can translate to other areas of life, including academic and social settings.

SERE Psychology and Outdoor Activities

Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) psychology is a field that focuses on building mental toughness and resilience in individuals who may be faced with extreme situations, such as captivity or survival in the wilderness. Outdoor activities, such as wilderness survival training, can provide children with the opportunity to learn SERE skills, including self-preservation, camouflage, and evasion. By applying these skills in a controlled environment, children can build their ability to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure.