Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Outward Bound Instructors’ Experience of Stress: Storms, Students, and Role Strain
Outward Bound instructors were stressed by unsafe conditions and student behaviour. Taking responsibility for safety, learning and control on themselves made that stress worse, and seeing themselves as failing to meet these demands led to role strain.
What's new
Thirty-one Outward Bound instructors from two sites were interviewed about highly stressful situations on courses with adolescents, and the interviews were analysed using grounded theory. Stressors included unsafe and unpredictable situations (such as weather, terrain and medical concerns) and student behaviour, thoughts and feelings (such as conflict, oppositional behaviour and distress). When instructors took on the demands of student safety, student learning and control as their own personal burden, their stress increased. Seeing themselves as failing to meet these demands led to role strain. Stress affected how instructors functioned and how they interacted with students.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Instructor and teacher wellbeing in the field is part of safe EOTC. This study suggests organisations, as well as individual staff, have a role in managing stress.
Putting it into practice
Check regularly how much stress field staff are under and what kinds, for example in post-trip debriefs. Then look at what the organisation can change to reduce those stressors.
How strong is the evidence
This qualitative interview study of 31 instructors at two sites of one organisation gives depth, but the findings may not transfer directly to other settings.
What to read
The findings on role demands and role strain, and the recommendations for organisations.