Conceptualising the power of outdoor adventure activities for subjective well-being: A systematic literature review

This study examines the key research concepts associated with the subjective well-being outcomes of outdoor adventure activity participation. The landscape of adventure research is changing, and scholars are increasingly focusing on the beneficial outcomes of engaging in nature-based adventure activities. Yet, little is known about the interplay between adventure and subjective well-being. Therefore, this research presents the key findings from a systematic review of pertinent literature which was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, content analysis and thematic coding. We reviewed the abstract, introduction, methodology and findings for 125 journal articles and textbook chapters. Five intertwined metathemes and 16 subthemes, which reflect subjective well-being, emerged from this review. The metathemes are Extraordinary Experiences, Physical and Mental Balance, Personal Development, Immersion and Transformation, and Community. These formed the basis of the conceptual framework, which illustrates how adventure activity participants can gain, maintain, and enhance their subjective well-being by experiencing at least one subtheme within one or more of the five metathemes during or after their adventure activity. Further empirical research should be carried out on these metathemes to root the subjective well-being construct more firmly within the adventure literature. From a systematic literature review, five metathemes and 16 subthemes emerged which reflect the key subjective well-being (SWB) influences on, and benefits of, adventure activity participation. The metathemes are Extraordinary Experiences, Physical and Mental Balance, Personal Development, Immersion and Transformation, and Community. The conceptual framework, metathemes and subthemes can assist adventure organisations to better understand the SWB needs, motives and expected benefits of their existing and potential new clients. These organisations can operationalise some or all of the metathemes and subthemes into their product offerings. For instance, clients may seek opportunities to develop their individual identity (Personal Development) or desire natural highs and flow (Extraordinary Experiences) from their adventure experiences.