International students’ affectual development in Arctic nature - A story driven study

Abstract

There is increasing international interest in the impact of outdoor education and experiential learning on personal development. Recent research has primarily focused on short-term experiences in outdoor activities and its effects on well-being. The deeper sense of development from more frequent and sustained engagement is mentioned but regarded as underrepresented. This growing interest highlights the need for studies exploring how regular participation in outdoor activities contributes to feelings of personal development.

The ontological and epistemological foundation of this study is built on social constructivism, focusing on understanding imagination and perception, as well as exlaining exchang students' unique adaptability. The remaining theoretical framework builds on litterature about friluftsliv as a cultural phenomenon, its position in a global context and philosofical assumtions regarding friluftslivs impact on well-being. To gather qualitative data on the feelings of development after friluftsliv experiences, an innovative mix of longitudinal story completion and virtual semi-structured interviews was employed. The gatherd data cosisted of two sets of three stories and four transcribed interviews. The hermeneutic method, reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, resulting in the construction of four themes:

1. Friluftsliv as a provider of meaningful sociocultural connections 2. Experiences of self-efficacy by flourishing in physical and mental challenges 3. Appreciation of wilderness 4. Friluftsliv as a rewarding counter-experience to an over-rationalized world

The data, though insightful, was insufficient for generalizable conclusions. However, the empirical data gathered and shown in this project indicates that topics regarding friluftsliv and development produce rich and insightful SC data.

Friluftsliv experiences build social connections among exchange students, enhancing development and interpersonal skills through shared challenges. Overcoming physical and mental environmental hurdles promotes resilience and self-reliance, reinforcing self-confidence and awareness. Friluftsliv offers immersion in nature as a rewarding counter-experience to an over-rationalized world, fostering personal growth and deeper connections to nature and people, highlighting its therapeutic and educational potential.