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ABSTRACT
This article highlights a theoretical and practical framework for integrating the neuropsychological concept of autobiographical memory with the experiential learning that takes place in the outdoors. Autobiographical memories, our recollections of specific, personal events, are constructed through a personal narrative process; the way we choose to tell the stories of our lives, to ourselves, and crucially to others. Our interdisciplinary framework suggests that the participant comes to value memories of particular past events because they come to be seen as part of a shared history with others. Elements of outdoor activities can aid in the formulation of personal narratives and the generation of autobiographical memories. Our case study of a person with congenital deafblindness shows that taking an outdoor education approach can aid in providing shared authentic memorable experiences and in facilitating the construction of autobiographical memories in the bodily tactile modality.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Joe Gibson
Joe Gibson is currently working in Norway at Skådalen School for the deafblind. He previously worked for Sense Scotland as their Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator. Sense Scotland works with children and adults who have communication support needs because of deafblindness, sensory impairment, learning or physical disability. He has completed a PhD that examined the experiences of two congenitally deafblind men participating in outdoor activities. He co-ordinates the Deafblind International Outdoor Network.
Jude Nicholas is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, who is attached at Haukeland University Hospital and at Statped Vest Center for Special Needs Education in Bergen, Norway. Dr Nicholas received his undergraduate and psychological degrees from the University of Bergen in Norway, where he also completed his internship in clinical neuropsychology. He has some 20 years of clinical and research experience working with children and adults with sensory impairment. He has a longstanding interest in syndromes with sensory impairments and cognitive functions, and he is author of several articles and book chapters on these topics. His current research investigates the neuropsychological functions of tactile cognitions, particularly in persons with deafblindness.