Using means-end theory to better understand the integrated wilderness adventure experience

The purpose of this research is to identify and understand the outcomes, consequences, values and trip attributes associated with participation in an inclusive adventure trip program experience both for persons with disabilities and those without disabilities. In addition, the study seeks to better understand if and how participants are able to transfer outcomes gained on an adventure program back into their everyday life after a program experience. The theoretical frame for this study is the means/ends approach developed in the marketing/advertising field, recently applied to the leisure research area, and more recently to adventure education. This theoretical frame holds that people select certain products or services based on the anticipated outcomes (consequences) and values of interacting with that product/service.; Subjects for the study were 193 participants, including 74 with a range of disabilities, who participated in Wilderness Inquiry, Inc. inclusive outdoor adventure trips of at least 4 days during the summer season of 2002. Outcomes (consequences) and values attached to participation in an inclusive outdoor adventure program were obtained by participants completing a questionnaire at the end of their adventure trip. These narrative data were content analyzed through a computer data analysis program called "Ladder Map" (Gengler & Reynolds, 1995). In addition, personal interviews were conducted with 29 participants six months after the trips to explore how the outcomes of adventure trips can be incorporated into the everyday lives of participants.; Participants indicated the following primary outcomes: developing relationships with others, increased understanding of themselves, awareness and appreciation for nature and the wilderness, having a new opportunity, and learning new skills. The primary values the outcomes contribute to person's lives were: transferring the benefits of the trip to enhance aspects of home life, self awareness, achieving a personal goal, and having a warm relationship with others. Results of the 29 interviews show that participants were able to transfer outcomes from their wilderness trip experience to their work, to developing and improving outdoor recreation skills, to their family lives, and to other activities. The outcomes can be linked to trip attributes to assist in developing quality indicators of inclusive outdoor adventure programs.