Marni Goldenberg

A Means-End Investigation of Ropes Course Experiences

Means-end theory and its associated methodology provide an approach for investigating the meanings that individuals associate with the products and services they purchase, consume, and experience. Drawing from this means-end perspective, a study was conducted to develop a better understanding of the range of benefits that result from participating in a ropes course program. A sample of 125 participants from two ropes course programs identified the benefits they derived from their ropes course experience. Using a self-administered laddering procedure, subjects then provided information about the higher-level outcomes and values related to these benefits. An analysis of this means-end data provided insight into the relationship among the range of benefits and values associated with completing a ropes course. The study findings hold important implications for researchers interested in studying ropes courses or conducting means-end research in other leisure and recreation settings.

Outcomes from the Components of an Outward Bound Experience.

Means-end theory provides a useful approach for characterizing the relationship among the attributes or components of an experiential education course (the “means”), the benefits, or the outcomes associated with these attributes/course components, and the personal values (the “ends”) these outcomes help to reinforce for course participants. The purpose of this article is to show how this “means-end” perspective can enhance our understanding of the outcomes associated with outdoor adventure programming. A self-administered questionnaire designed to identify the linkages among program attributes (i.e., course components), course outcomes, and personal values was administered to a sample of 216 Outward Bound course participants. Analysis of the data provided useful insights into the outcomes associated with Outward Bound course experiences and with specific course components. The results can assist experiential educators in linking outdoor adventure course outcomes to course components, and in marketing course programs to potential clients.

Exploring the Motivations of BASE Jumpers: Extreme Sport Enthusiasts

Little previous research has been conducted exploring the motivational factors that influence a persons desire to participate in extreme sports. The researchers used a means-end approach (e.g. semi-structured interviews) to explore motivations for participation in the extreme sport of BASE jumping. BASE jumping is the activity of parachuting from bridges, buildings, antennas, and cliffs, in which participants have been identified as voluntary-risk takers. The results indicated that BASE jumpers deliberately took risks as a means of becoming positively transformed, which was essential to their quality of life. The study findings hold important implications for researchers interested in further studies of extreme subcultures as well as practitioners interested in developing adventure tourism opportunities targeted toward extreme subcultures.

A Means-End Investigation of Outcomes Associated with Outward Bound and NOLS Programs.

This study compares outcomes associated with participation in Outward Bound (OB) and National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) courses in the United States. OB and NOLS (two of the largest providers of outdoor adventure education [OAE] courses) combined saw more than 30,000 students in 2006 (NOLS, n.d.; Outward Bound, n.d.). Comparing these two respected outdoor adventure education programs may assist programmers and leaders to adapt programming to specific needs and achieve specific outcomes. The comparison will also help eliminate the common perception that these two organizations vary in the types of programs offered and the outcomes participants obtain. The study was conducted in the summer of 2006 and used means-end theory to analyze the 510 subjects’ responses.

How Group Experience Affects Outcomes from NOLS Programs: A Means-End Investigation.

Using means-end theory, this study evaluates how being part of a group influences outcomes of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) participants. This study examines outcomes from NOLS courses during the summer of 2006 in the Wind River Mountain Range of Wyoming. Immediately following 2006 course completion, a convenience sample of 345 individuals participated in semi-structured, in-person interviews. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 with a portion of the 2006 interview participants.

A means-end analysis of Special Olympics volunteers

Many non-profit recreation, parks and tourism organizations utilize volunteers. To attract and retain volunteers, these organizations must discover why volunteers donate time. This study used means-end theory to examine the attributes, consequences and values associated with volunteering for the San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Special Olympics as well as the volunteer demographics. Study participants included 55 volunteers who were asked demographic and open-ended questions during interviews at sporting and training events. Results showed most volunteers were parents of an athlete in the program and either had been involved in the program for less than a year and donated less than 60 hours per year, or had been involved for more than 5 years and donated hundreds of hours per year. Many individuals volunteer so their child athlete will receive the benefits of sport, including increased social contact for their child, which leads them to believe their child will have warm relations with others and have a sense of belonging which leads to having increased self-confidence, leading to the athlete enjoying their life more. Parents perceive that their child athlete receives these benefits of sport and this perception in turn generates a positive effect on the parent.

Outdoor adventure therapy to increase physical activity in young adult cancer survivors

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), limited research has examined PA interventions in young adult cancer survivors (YACS). This study used a two-group parallel design to examine the effects of a 7-day outdoor adventure camp vs. waitlist control on PA levels among YACS. Secondary aims examined effects on sedentary behavior and PA correlates. Methods: 50 camp and 66 control participants were assessed at baseline, end of camp, and 3 months. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that, relative to baseline, camp participants had significantly (p = 0.0001) greater increases in PA than controls during camp (+577 vs. +9 minutes/week) and 3 months post-camp (+133 vs. –75 minutes/week, p = 0.001). Camp participants also reported significantly greater improvements in TV viewing (p = 0.001), hours sitting (p = 0.001), PA variety (p = 0.0001), barriers to PA (p = 0.007), and enjoyment of structured activities (p = 0.04) during camp but not 3 months post-camp. Conclusion: A week-long outdoor adventure therapy camp increased PA levels during camp and 3 months after camp termination, although effects were attenuated over time. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Outdoor adventure therapy camps may increase PA and its correlates in YACS, but future research should explore methods to promote sustained PA after camp termination.

A Four-Year Follow-Up of Means-End Outcomes from Outdoor Adventure Programs.

Means-end theory was used to analyze differences in outcomes from original interviews and follow-up interviews occurring four years after Outward Bound (OB) and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) 2006 course participation. In 2006, a semi-structured, in-person interview was conducted after participants (N = 510) completed their course. In 2010, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted from a convenience sample of the original participants (N = 200). Results of this study show how OB and NOLS programs continued to increase participant self-respect/esteem/confidence, impart transferable lessons and skills, and provide a sense of self-awareness four years after course participation. Understanding such participant outcomes allows program managers to effectively market programs, comprehend relationships between program attributes and participant outcomes, and design programs for specific outcomes.

Longitudinal Participant Outcomes Associated with Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School: A Means-End Investigation

Abstract: Means-end theory was used to analyze differences in outcomes from original and follow-up interviews occurring over the three subsequent years after Outward Bound (OB) and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course participation. In 2006, a semi-structured, in-person interview was conducted after participants (N=510) completed their course. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of original participants. Results of this study show how OB and NOLS programs continue to increase participant self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence, provide a sense of accomplishment, and impart transferable lessons and skills three years after course participation. Understanding such participant outcomes allows program managers to effectively market programs, comprehend relationships between program attributes and participant outcomes, and design programs for specific outcomes.

ASSESSMENT OF READJUSTING TO LIFE AFTER COMPLETING A THRU-HIKE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

Hundreds of individual participate in the outdoor recreation activity of hiking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail each year. Research had been conducted on various aspects of hiking, but limited research is available on the post thru-hike experience. Research on place attachment and culture shock served as a basis for this study to uncover how individuals readjust to life after hiking on the AT. Ten telephone interviews were conducted during the winter of 2011 with hikers from 2009 or 2010. Themes emerged from the data to show similar outcomes. Results indicated that thru-hikers have difficulty with the readjustment process, experience personal life changes, miss aspects of the AT and have motivation towards other long term goals. This study shows that hikers feel a strong connection to the trail, thus more efforts should be taken to protect such an important place to many individuals.