The value of participating in British exploring society expeditions: a three year multi-cohort study

Abstract

A primary aim of many expeditions is to facilitate personal development of young people and while there is much anecdotal evidence to support this aim, there is limited empirical work of varied quality that explores the specific nature of such benefits. This research examined nine summer BES expeditions (Norway, Namibia, & Amazon in 2012; Finnmark, Ladakh, & Namibia in 2013 and 2014) involving 58 young people (aged between 15 and 22) who completed three on-line questionnaires to collect qualitative (open ended questions) and quantitative (Likert scale) data. Measurement of four psychological attributes associated with effective character development were used: mental toughness, coping skills, GRIT and leadership skills. Surveys were completed at three stages; 1) pre-expedition, 2) immediately post expedition and 3) three months post expedition. Results indicated that the expeditions impacted positively on the psychological attributes of young people, with lasting short terms effects (three months after expedition). For the 58 participants, there were statistically significant improvements and small positive effect sizes in mental toughness (P = 0.006; ηp 2 = 0.167), leadership skills (P = 0.004; ηp 2 = 0.18), and GRIT (P = 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.218). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) or effect size for the application of coping strategies. Qualitative data provided insights into how the learning took place and individual perspectives on the overall value of the expedition in relation to narrative understanding.

The Perceived Long-Term Influence of Youth Wilderness Expeditions in Participants’ Lives

“…The outcomes of the expedition experiences generally align with the four categories used by Stott et al with the most salient outcome being learning about self. However, most of the reviewed studies have a handful of participants with a retrospection of more than 20 years, confirming the limited amount of research about the long-term influence of expeditions (Allison et al, 2018;Allison & Von Wald, 2013;Beames et al, 2020;Ewert & McAvoy, 2000;Gartner-Manzon & Giles, 2018;Gassner, 2006;Houge Mackenzie et al, 2014). The extant literature is also from a range of mixed cultural contexts (countries ranging from Canada, USA, UK, Japan), cultural traditions of expeditions for different purposes and a wide range of types of outdoor experiences (for example more or less wilderness, water based, land based).…”

“…Youth expeditions are often regarded as beneficial and even “life-changing” experiences for young people (Allison et al, 2018; Kellert & Derr, 1998; Stott et al, 2016), however the evidence on their perceived long-term impact is limited (Takano, 2010). Youth expedition organizations, such as the British Exploring Society, have a genuine need to conduct research, in order to learn if these experiences influence participants’ lives, and if so, what are these influences, which in turn can inform future practices.…”

The Perceived Long-Term Influence of Expeditions in Participants’ Lives

“…Organizations such as the British Exploring Society (BES), Raleigh International, and World Challenge often claim to provide "life-changing" experiences. Despite this often-repeated rhetoric, the evidence on their perceived long-term effect is scarce (Allison et al, 2018;Hattie et al, 1997). Youth expedition organizations have a genuine need to conduct research, not only to inform future practices but also to provide empirical evidence to back up their claims that the lessons and skills acquired during youth expeditions transfer into other life contexts.…”

Mission Himalaya: Exploring the Impact of a Supported High-Altitude Mountaineering Expedition on the Well-Being and Personal Development of UK Military Veterans

“…This can be achieved through OAA provision, when delivered in a way that successfully provides an immersive experience, meets the bespoke needs of participants and is evidenced in an appropriate form [8]. Several studies have shown that conditions experienced on an expedition can result in improved psychological well-being [9][10][11][12]. However, few studies have examined the impact of expeditions for people adjusting to life-changing circumstances, such as sustaining career-ending physical injuries or the diagnosis of a trauma-related mental health disorder.…”

“…Only a few studies have reported on how short-term expeditions influence well-being benefits and these are limited by focusing on the immediate expedition, meaning that longerterm impacts are unclear [9][10][11][12]. Further, only one study has addressed the unique context of expeditions involving military veterans [13].…”