Wilderness Experience: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Wilderness experience has been an integral part of human experience since ancient times. It has been linked to psychological, physical, and spiritual benefits. In this review, we explore the literature on wilderness experience and discuss its implications for health and well-being. We review the evidence for the benefits of wilderness experience for physical, psychological, and spiritual health, and discuss the implications for further research. We conclude that wilderness experience can provide a range of benefits for individuals and should be further explored as a potential therapeutic tool.
Introduction
Wilderness experience has been an important part of human experience since ancient times. It is defined as a form of immersion in an environment where the natural world is dominant and where human influence is minimal (Kauffman, 2019). In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the potential benefits of wilderness experience. It has been linked to a range of psychological, physical, and spiritual benefits (Kauffman, 2019). Furthermore, research suggests that wilderness experience can be beneficial for individuals across a range of ages, from adolescents to elderly adults (Dupont et al., 2020).
In this review, we explore the literature on wilderness experience and discuss its implications for health and well-being. We begin by discussing the theoretical background and evidence for the potential benefits of wilderness experience. We then discuss the implications for further research.
Theoretical Background and Evidence for Benefits
Wilderness experience has been linked to a range of psychological, physical, and spiritual benefits (Kauffman, 2019). Research has shown that wilderness experience can have a positive effect on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Kauffman, 2019; Dupont et al., 2020). Furthermore, research suggests that wilderness experience can have a positive effect on physical health, including reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health (Kauffman, 2019).
In addition, research suggests that wilderness experience can have a positive effect on spiritual health, including improving self-awareness and increasing feelings of connectedness to the natural world (Kauffman, 2019; Dupont et al., 2020). Furthermore, research has shown that wilderness experience can have a positive effect on social health, including increased social support and improved relationships with others (Kauffman, 2019).
Implications for Further Research
The evidence for the potential benefits of wilderness experience is promising and suggests that further research should be conducted. Further research should focus on the long-term effects of wilderness experience, as well as the potential for wilderness experience to be used as a therapeutic tool. Furthermore, research should explore the effects of wilderness experience on different age groups, as well as its potential to be used to address specific mental health concerns.
Conclusion
Wilderness experience has been an important part of human experience since ancient times. In this review, we explored the literature on wilderness experience and discussed its implications for health and well-being. We reviewed the evidence for the benefits of wilderness experience for physical, psychological, and spiritual health, and discussed the implications for further research. We concluded that wilderness experience can provide a range of benefits for individuals and should be further explored as a potential therapeutic tool.
References
Dupont, J., Burdette, A. M., & Brantley, W. (2020). The impact of wilderness experiences on physical and psychological health: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(17), 6223.
Kauffman, A. (2019). The Benefits of Wilderness Experience: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 19, 1-12.