Improving the analysis and reporting of studies of nature-based adventure interventions: a review of studies published in JAEOL

ABSTRACT

Nature-based adventure (NBA) interventions can be broadly understood as any intervention of adventure occurring in a natural setting not necessarily involving a licensed mental health professional. Evidence suggests that some NBA interventions improve people’s health. Although encouraging, the strength of this evidence is often impaired by the non-random allocation of participants to groups and the lack of comparison groups. These design limitations need additional care during data analysis. Moreover, some studies of NBA interventions omit necessary information for the interpretation of their results, which may lead to inaccurate conclusions and hinder replicability. To exemplify these analytical and reporting issues, we evaluated all quantitative studies assessing the effect of an NBA intervention published in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning from 2019 to 2021. We provide suggestions to improve the analysis of studies of NBA interventions and discuss the need to report these necessary elements in future studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Adventure
• methodology
• nature-based intervention
• wilderness

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the Editor in Chief, the Managing Editor, and the anonymous reviewers for their careful evaluation of the manuscript and valuable suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior [001]; Spanish Ministry of Science, Education and Universities [PGC2018-095502-B-I00].

Notes on contributors

Claudio D. Rosa

Claudio D. Rosa completed his master's degree in Regional Development and Environment at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz where he studied the relation between nature-based recreation and environmental attitudes. During his doctorate, he is investigating the effect of nature-based interventions on symptoms of depression. He is a physical education professional with a primary interest in the drivers and benefits of participation in nature-based recreational activities.

Talisson Santos Chaves

Talisson Santos Chaves is a doctoral student in Physiological Sciences. He is graduated in Physical Education from the State University of Santa Cruz (2014) and specialized in Exercise Physiology and Sports Training. He has experience in the field of Physical Education, with an emphasis on neuromuscular physiology and strength training.

Silvia Collado

Silvia Collado is an associate professor at the Department of Psychology and Sociology of Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. She is interested in the study of the restorative effects of natural and built environments, environmental preferences, and the factors shaping the development and change of environmental behaviors.

Nevin J. Harper

Nevin J. Harper is a Professor in the School of Child & Youth Care at the University of Victoria and practicing Registered Clinical Counsellor. Nevin has been involved in outdoor therapies and adventure education programs for more than 25 years. His research interests include adventure education, outdoor and nature-based therapies, place-based learning, ecopsychology, risk/challenge, and outdoor risky play.