%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of outdoor recreational physical challenges on general self-efficacy: A randomized controlled trial.
%A Tyne WP
%A Fletcher D
%A Paine NJ
%A Stevinson C
%J Psychol Sport Exerc
%V 74
%N 0
%D 2024 09 1
%M 38960348
%F 5.118
%R 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102693
%X Outdoor programs involving recreational physical challenges are becoming increasingly popular for training and development purposes among adults, but rigorous studies investigating their effectiveness remain scarce. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of an outdoor adventure-based program on measures of self-efficacy, resilience, risk-taking propensity, and perceived stress. Participants were randomly assigned either to an intervention condition (half-day high ropes course) or a wait-list control group. Measures were taken at baseline and four days post-intervention and on the day to measure intervention perceptions. Significant increases in self-efficacy and risk-taking propensity were observed for the intervention arm compared to the control arm. Greater intervention engagement and affective valence ratings were associated with self-efficacy change. These findings highlight the practical relevance of adventure-based experiences for organizations and educational institutions seeking to enhance young adults' self-confidence. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs and ensuring positive participant experiences to achieve desired outcomes.