Modeling the impact of wilderness orientation programs on first-year academic success and life purpose |
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| Authors: | Andrew W Bailey Hyoung-Kil Kang |
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| Institution: | 1. Health and Human Performance, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Dept. 6606, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USAAndrew-Bailey@utc.edu;3. Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea |
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| Abstract: | Wilderness orientation programs (WOPs) are becoming a popular method of encouraging college student retention and success. Previous studies have identified outcomes and correlates of participation in these programs, but a cohesive model of impact is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of WOPs on first-year student success and sense of purpose. A secondary aim was to elucidate predictors and correlates of WOPs identified in previous research. Participants included 295 students at a liberal arts college. Results indicate that WOP participants demonstrated higher levels of first-semester social engagement and reflection, thus leading to higher grade point average, better retention and a higher sense of life purpose. WOP participation, however, had a negative direct influence on sense of purpose. These findings are discussed in light of previous research, presenting a preliminary model of WOP influence on first-year academic success. |
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| Keywords: | wilderness orientation sense of purpose retention student engagement |
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