ERIC Number: EJ1141381
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jun
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Cognitive and Physiological Impacts of Adventure Activities: Beyond Self-Report Data
Bailey, Andrew W.; Johann, Josh; Kang, Hyoung-Kil
Journal of Experiential Education, v40 n2 p153-169 Jun 2017
Outdoor adventure activities have been used to facilitate a variety of positive outcomes. However, the practical challenge of collecting data in the field and a heavy reliance on self-report data render it difficult to understand the process of the experience. This study examined the association between self-reported valence and arousal and electroencephalography (EEG)-measured anxiety, focus, and approach motivation to determine the physiological and cognitive response to stressful stimuli and compare those objective measures with self-report assessments. Data were collected from 10 participants fitted with an EEG headset during rappelling. Spearman correlations and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results indicated significant changes in EEG readings for anxiety and approach motivation, and significant correlations between self-reported valence and EEG-measured approach motivation. The findings illustrated the acute internal response to a common adventure activity and demonstrated the influence of a novel challenge on the mind and body of participants. Significant changes in self-report assessments were reflected in similar changes in objective measures, indicative of the mind/body connection.
Descriptors: Measurement Techniques, Recreational Activities, Adventure Education, Correlation, Statistical Analysis, Medicine, Anxiety, Introductory Courses, Physiology, Cognitive Processes, Motivation, Arousal Patterns, Emotional Response, Measurement Objectives
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A