Below are a few articles which include research about the benefits of Outward Bound and outdoor adventure education.
Youth and Teens Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder - Richard Louv, March 2005
According to Richard Louv, author of this groundbreaking work about the lives of today's children,"nature-deficit disorder" is making our kids depressed, distracted and overweight. Nature is a key factor in children becoming sensitive, expressive, and essentially human. Read more.
Outward Bound Wilderness profiled in Wikipedia
The first Outward Bound School was opened in Aberdovey, Wales in 1941 by Lawrence Holt and Kurt Hahn. Its founding mission was to give young seamen the ability to survive harsh conditions at sea by teaching confidence and tenacity. Read more.
Adults University of New Hampshire Study - James T. Neill
One University of New Hampshire study found that adult participants that took part in a 22-day Outward Bound program experienced enhanced psychological resilience; a quality that allows a person to cope with, and respond effectively to life stressors. Read more.
A Vote of Confidence in Outward Bound - The New York Times, Arthur M. Blank, July, 1991
The challenges that Outward Bound presents to our employees seem to have translated well back in the "real world" in terms of more creative and more effective problem-solving... the programs have helped strengthen our management team and reinforce our progressive corporate culture. Read more.
Stress for Sucess -
Jacquelyn Ferguson, M. S., Stress Coach, April, 2007
That’s why wilderness experiences like Outward Bound can profoundly impact people with external locus of control beliefs because they learn that through skill development they can develop competence and power in their experiences. Read more.
All Ages Adventure programs found to have lasting, positive impact - Education Week, Debra Viadero, May 7, 1997
The benefits to students from scaling mountains and white-water rafting in outdoor-adventure programs last longer than those from more traditional school programs a new analysis says. Students who participated in programs such as Outward Bound showed significant improvements in their problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, independence, and other attributes, the study by researches in the United States and Australia found. Read more.
Note: Free Registry available.
Meta-Analytic Research on the Outcomes of Outdoor Education - James T. Neill, Jan 2002
...outdoor education methods have something genuine to offer education, training, and psychology. A particularly impressive strength is that outdoor education programs seem capable of triggering an ongoing cycle of positive change within participants. Read more.
