Self in wilderness: Understanding the psychological benefits of individual‐wilderness interaction through self‐control

In Australia people are increasingly spending more leisure time in wilderness settings and are willing to participate in guided wilderness adventures. It has been suggested that the wilderness environment is therapeutic, and psychological studies have attempted to demonstrate that meaningful changes take place within the individual as a consequence of being in that setting. Conceptual frameworks for understanding better why and how wilderness promotes psychological well being are scarce, however. This report provides a conceptual consideration of individual‐wilderness interactions that looks closely at the notion of perceived control. It is suggested that an alternative concept, self‐control, better characterizes individual‐wilderness relationships. Moreover, it is argued that the opportunity in wilderness for individuals to exert self‐control is psychologically rewarding. Properties of the wilderness setting that can facilitate self‐control are also discussed.