Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being
This article investigates the transformative impacts of regular nature-based adventure activity engagement and its long-lasting effects on eudaimonic well-being (EWB), specifically mental health. Although extant research highlights a wide range of well-being and mental health benefits from participa...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Behavioral Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/4/418 |
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| author | Gill Pomfret Manuel Sand Carola May Jelena Farkić |
| author_facet | Gill Pomfret Manuel Sand Carola May Jelena Farkić |
| author_sort | Gill Pomfret |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article investigates the transformative impacts of regular nature-based adventure activity engagement and its long-lasting effects on eudaimonic well-being (EWB), specifically mental health. Although extant research highlights a wide range of well-being and mental health benefits from participation in such pursuits, less is known about experienced outdoor adventure enthusiasts for whom adventure is a fundamental and transformational part of their lives. The study builds on an existing conceptual framework that synthesizes pertinent research concepts on nature-based activity engagement and subjective well-being benefits. It presents key findings from 40 semi-structured in-depth online interviews with respondents from the UK, Germany, and Serbia. Interview data were collated and analyzed using a thematic framework approach. The findings highlight the importance of outdoor adventure activity engagement for respondents’ mental and physical health and long-term well-being. Regular activity participation can be transformational in reducing feelings of ill-being and enhancing EWB. It can improve self-efficacy and identity development and promote the fulfilment of psychological needs, facilitated by key transformational catalyzers. Continually entering a liminal state, experiencing emotions, and overcoming challenges and risks during engagement are crucial to “successful” long-lasting transformation. Further research should continue to explore adventure’s transformational and EWB benefits to develop long-term data. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1a2276ae08d5438e84c4eceedfb88d6e |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-328X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Behavioral Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-1a2276ae08d5438e84c4eceedfb88d6e2025-08-20T02:17:14ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2025-03-0115441810.3390/bs15040418Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-BeingGill Pomfret0Manuel Sand1Carola May2Jelena Farkić3College of Business, Technology & Engineering, Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB, UKFaculty of Sport Management, University for Applied Management, 19, 91757 Treuchtlingen, GermanyDepartment of Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Campus Hamburg, Waterloohain 9, 22769 Hamburg, GermanyAcademy for Tourism, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Mgr. Hopmansstraat 2, 4817 JS Breda, The NetherlandsThis article investigates the transformative impacts of regular nature-based adventure activity engagement and its long-lasting effects on eudaimonic well-being (EWB), specifically mental health. Although extant research highlights a wide range of well-being and mental health benefits from participation in such pursuits, less is known about experienced outdoor adventure enthusiasts for whom adventure is a fundamental and transformational part of their lives. The study builds on an existing conceptual framework that synthesizes pertinent research concepts on nature-based activity engagement and subjective well-being benefits. It presents key findings from 40 semi-structured in-depth online interviews with respondents from the UK, Germany, and Serbia. Interview data were collated and analyzed using a thematic framework approach. The findings highlight the importance of outdoor adventure activity engagement for respondents’ mental and physical health and long-term well-being. Regular activity participation can be transformational in reducing feelings of ill-being and enhancing EWB. It can improve self-efficacy and identity development and promote the fulfilment of psychological needs, facilitated by key transformational catalyzers. Continually entering a liminal state, experiencing emotions, and overcoming challenges and risks during engagement are crucial to “successful” long-lasting transformation. Further research should continue to explore adventure’s transformational and EWB benefits to develop long-term data.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/4/418outdoor adventure activitiesmental healtheudaimonic well-beingtransformationhedonic well-being |
| spellingShingle | Gill Pomfret Manuel Sand Carola May Jelena Farkić Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being Behavioral Sciences outdoor adventure activities mental health eudaimonic well-being transformation hedonic well-being |
| title | Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being |
| title_full | Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being |
| title_short | Exploring the Transformational Role of Regular Nature-Based Adventure Activity Engagement in Mental Health and Long-Term Eudaimonic Well-Being |
| title_sort | exploring the transformational role of regular nature based adventure activity engagement in mental health and long term eudaimonic well being |
| topic | outdoor adventure activities mental health eudaimonic well-being transformation hedonic well-being |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/4/418 |
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