# Anxiety in Outdoor Experiential Education: Examining Predictors, Sources, and Implications for Program Design

## TL;DR

The study explores how anxiety affects participation in outdoor education programs and identifies factors like experience and gender that influence it.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into pre-trip anxiety predictors and offers practical implications for improving outdoor education program design.

## Key findings

- Less experienced participants report higher pre-trip anxiety levels.
- Female participants show greater anxiety, especially in water-based activities.
- Anxiety levels remain stable over time, suggesting multiple intervention opportunities.

## Abstract

Pre-trip anxiety is a critical yet understudied factor influencing participation and engagement in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) programs. Anxiety can serve as both a motivator and a barrier, shaping participants’ willingness to engage in challenging activities. This study examines the sources, predictors, and temporal progression of pre-trip anxiety among OEE participants, with a focus on experience level, gender differences, and activity type. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from students and staff at two Midwestern universities across three time points leading to an OEE program. Measures included the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a course-specific worry scale assessing concerns such as physical ability, social dynamics, and environmental risks. Results indicate that experience level can predict anxiety, with less experienced participants reporting higher levels of concern. Gender differences were also observed, with female participants exhibiting greater pre-trip anxiety, particularly in water-based activities. However, anxiety remained relatively stable across time intervals, suggesting that interventions may be effective at multiple stages before a program begins. These findings have practical implications for OEE design, including targeted pre-trip interventions, adjusted program marketing, and tailored support strategies to reduce barriers to participation and enhance student preparedness.