Purpose: To investigate individuals' lived experience of camping, and to explore the effects of camping on relationships.Design: The research adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach (Langdridge, 2007). Guided interviews were carried out with four participants, recalling their most memorable camping experience, with the aid of photographs to elicit memories. Analysis followed Colaizzi's (1978) seven stage analysis and findings were discussed in relation to Duck's model of relationship dissolution (1981).Findings: Findings concern how camping provides an opportunity for couples, and friends, to re-connect with each other, reinforcing existing bonds and strengthening weakened ones. Other findings included enjoyment of the tranquillity and relaxation the natural environment provided, and for some the sense of adventure was encouraged, and the idea of 'being away' from the usual surroundings was reported to be of relational benefit.Originality: The discovery of the benefit of camping on relationships is a unique and valuable contribution in this field because it has shown that camping can maintain, and evolve, relationships. As such, camping could be used as a bonding or relationship support intervention.
Literature ReviewThere is a small but growing amount of literature surrounding green exercise, and as such the concepts and ideas are constantly evolving. Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995; Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) is amongst this literature, and suggests that spending time outside could help individuals restore their capacity to concentrate. Kaplan proposed that nature provided the four elements that were important for restoration of the capacity to direct attention, and that nature could restore this more effectively than sleep. The four elements were: being 'away', paying involuntary attention to surroundings, maintenance of this attention and a compatibility with the chosen environment.