Outdoor education : an environmental context for the promotion and maintenance of well-being

Abstract

This study examined the function of outdoor education in enhancing and sustaining wellbeing within an environmental framework, a subject of increasing importance in youth and community initiatives. It explored the necessity of comprehending how nature-based learning experiences facilitated overall well-being. The study sought to investigate the impact of outdoor education on people’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing while enhancing their connection to the natural environment. A qualitative study design was employed, including semi-structured interviews to obtain comprehensive insights into participants' experiences. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to identify individuals aged 18 and older who either participated in or were employed in outdoor education settings for youth, mostly through a local NGO. The findings of this study demonstrate that outdoor education significantly enhances well-being, fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and environmental stewardship. Participants indicated that a connection to nature improved their overall life satisfaction and mental clarity. The research found that outdoor education was an effective instrument in social care settings for promoting well-being and instilling environmental stewardship, especially in Malta's evolving biological ecosystem. This affected educational and social programs that promoted youth development through nature-based interventions.