EXPLORING MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP OF COLLEGE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

Abstract

This dissertation offers an in-depth qualitative study regarding motivational factors for college student outdoor leadership at a college outdoor adventure program (COAP) including factors of motivation through the course of involvement and activity specific attributes related to motivation. Between May and November of 2018 interviews with student trip leaders of the host COAP were conducted, and a narrative analysis approach to interviews and data analysis was employed. Student trip leader involvement in youth in outdoor recreation, play in nature, exploration, and roles of leadership was associated with choice to engage in outdoor leadership. Study participants all had previous experience with OAE or COAP programming, and were attracted to outdoor leadership through multiple factors of motivation including social aspects, spending time in nature, dimensions of learning, perceived self-efficacy in leadership, sharing experiences, and organizational influences. Factors for continued participation include learning, teaching, challenge, social components, mentoring, and spending time in nature. Activity specific motivational factors were identified among categories of rock climbing, paddlesports, and backpacking. Emergent motivational themes are also explored and include a gendered perspective of outdoor leadership and negative influences on motivation as well.