A Systematic Review of the Psychological, Social, and Educational Outcomes Associated With Participation in Wildland Recreational Activities

Abstract

Participation in wildland recreation is associated with a range of individual-level outcomes. Although these outcomes have been extensively studied, few studies have systematically examined and summarized this empirical evidence. Therefore, the goals of this study include identifying (1) the breadth of individual-level outcomes associated with wildland recreation, (2) the setting and programmatic attributes that research suggests are driving these outcomes, and (3) the gaps in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the outcomes associated with wildland recreation. We systematically examined 235 articles published between 2000 and 2016 that evaluated the psychological, social, and educational outcomes associated with participation in wildland recreation. We identified 11 broad categories, the most common related to personal development (59%), pro-social behaviors (52%), mental restoration (42%), and environmental stewardship (36%). Results highlight gaps in our knowledge regarding outcomes and their potential causes. We conclude by discussing trends and implications for managers and future research.

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on urban park visitation: a global analysis

“…They also provide people with multiple opportunities in terms of recreation and support people health, community cohesion and city sustainability (Chen et al 2018;Chiesura 2004;Wolff et al 2020). As well, under health crisis and global pandemic, parks and green spaces clearly benefit human mental and physical health, as well as social well-being (Holland et al 2018;Thomsen et al 2013).…”

Exploring Cognitive Dissonance on a Ski Mountaineering Traverse: A Personal Narrative of an Expedition to ISHINCA (5530 m) in PERU

“…Paradoxically, therefore the limited choice of associated behaviour or available actions could create some greater levels of cognitive dissonance in my case, given my desire for lots of options. Yet the simplicity and adversity created by the mountaineering context does allow the opportunity to challenge self and transition through periods of cognitive dissonance which is often touted as a benefit for personal development and mental restoration [48]. Although, mental restoration had to wait as my cognitions were focused on mountain preparation in a somewhat anxious manner:…”

Mental health key to tourism infrastructure in China's new megapark

“…2 ). These are: tourism and parks ( Buckley, 2017 ; Leung et al, 2018 ); tourism and health ( Holland et al, 2018 ; Mygind et al, 2019 ); and tourism and culture ( Buckley, Cater, et al, 2008 ; Gao et al, 2017 ). Park tourism management research has shown that the economic, social and environmental consequences of park tourism depend on numbers, seasonality, group sizes, equipment, activities, motivations, expectations, intentions, behaviours, education, regulations, hardening, ecosystems, access, terrain, and regional physical and human geography; but the quantitative relationships between these factors remain contested, and there is no general model ( Buckley, 2017 ; Leung et al, 2018 ; Monz et al, 2013 ; Zhong et al, 2015 ).…”

“…There is extensive research worldwide, including China, showing that nature exposure, including park tourism, improves mental health ( Buckley et al, 2018 , 2019 , 2008 ; Bratman et al, 2019 ; Buckley, 2019 ; Buckley & Brough, 2017 ; Frumkin et al, 2017 ; Holland et al, 2018 ; Mygind et al, 2019 ; Shanahan et al, 2015; Xu et al, 2014 ). Outdoor tourism yields a wide range of health benefits ( Biedenweg et al, 2017 ; Davies, 2018 ).…”

“…Outdoor tourism yields a wide range of health benefits ( Biedenweg et al, 2017 ; Davies, 2018 ). These derive both from contemplative nature tourism ( Chen, Yu, & Lee, 2018 ; Hansen et al, 2017 ; Kobayashi et al, 2018 ; Oh et al, 2017 ), and active adventure tourism ( Buckley, 2020b ; Holland et al, 2018 ; Holmbom et al, 2017 ; Roberts et al, 2018 ). They form one component of research on tourism and wellbeing more generally ( Chen & Li, 2018 ; Lengieza et al, 2019 ; Levi et al, 2018 ; Pyke et al, 2016 ; Smith & Diekmann, 2017 ; Uysal et al, 2016 ).…”