Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
‘Everything we do will have an element of fear in it’: challenging assumptions of fear for all in outdoor adventurous education
Deliberately building fear into adventurous activities can isolate and marginalise students who struggle with it, which challenges the assumption that fear benefits everyone.
What's new
This multiple-case study interviewed four outdoor adventurous education facilitators and observed participants' experiences of fear during a caving activity. The findings show a complex tension between intentionally facilitating fear and the varied effects fear has on participants. The authors challenge the long-held 'fear for all' approach. They found that fear could isolate and marginalise participants who could not successfully interact with it.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Adventure activities are a common part of EOTC in New Zealand. The study prompts teachers and providers to consider how fear-based challenges may exclude some students.
Putting it into practice
When planning a challenging activity, build in different levels of participation and ways for students to opt in. Watch for students who become withdrawn or isolated.
How strong is the evidence
This is a small qualitative case study based on four facilitators and one caving activity, so the findings are exploratory.
What to read
The findings on how fear can isolate and marginalise participants.