An exploration of mindset and resilience in an adventure-based experiential learning programme

Abstract

Adventure-based experiential learning (ABEL) programmes have seen an increase in popularity over the past few years. Research has indicated that participating in an ABEL programme can have a number of positive outcomes, but does not state how these changes occur and what contributes towards the positive outcomes associated with participating in an ABEL programme. The construct of resilience has previously been identified as one such positive outcome. Another construct, mindset, has also recently been identified as having a potential impact on the participant outcomes of ABEL programmes. The proposed study therefore aims to explore the association between mindset and resilience in an ABEL programme, presented in a South African context. The method of interactive qualitative analysis (IQA) was used to collect and analyse data. It entailed a discussion group process consisting of 13 participants, which resulted in the creation of a hypothetical model. The model shows that (i) mindset and resilience are dynamically inter-related and involved in various stages of participants’ experience during the ABEL programme; and (ii) this interrelatedness appears to have contributed to movement away from a fixed mindset towards a growth mindset and stronger resilience among participants. This inter-relatedness further appears to be a continuous process or upward spiral of development. The results of the study support previous research findings indicating the positive effect ABEL programmes have on participants’ level of resilience and mindset. Although the findings cannot be generalised to the larger population due to the homogeneous sample group, it does provide a valuable conceptual model that contributes to our understanding of the possible role played by mindset and resilience during programme participation. Further research needs to be done to explore the applicability of the hypothesised model in adventure programmes.