Reduction of trait anxiety through participation in outward bound

Abstract

This study assesses the effect of participation in an outdoor recreation program (i.e., Outward Bound) on levels of trait anxiety. Two groups (treatment and nontreatment) were compared using a modified version of Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition, an assessment was completed by the instructors of the selected Outward Bound courses to provide information on the changes in the levels of fear actually observed. Both the treatment and nontreatment groups were queried before the course began, immediately afterward and one year after the course ended.

Using analysis of covariance procedures, results indicated a significant decrease in the level of trait anxiety reported by the group participating in and finishing the Outward Bound program (treatment group) when compared with the group that enrolled but did not complete or attend the course (nontreatment group). This significant reduction in anxiety levels by the treatment group was congruent with the behavioral observations made by the course instructors. This effect diminished over the period of one year.

In addition, there were no main effects of gender, course type or age on the levels of anxiety for either the post‐ or follow‐up measures. A significant interaction between age and course length in the follow‐up measurement was noted, suggesting that adult students who take a longer course report less trait anxiety one year after their course than did the younger students.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• fear
• outdoor recreation
• Outward Bound