Body Image Development via Outdoor Adventure

Summary This case study examines how outdoor physical activities can transform and foster a positive body image, highlighting the spaces and programs that facilitate this change for young people. Through personal narratives and reflections on her research journey, the author shares her experiences of childhood, including finding mentors and discovering new activities, such as canoeing and high-ropes courses. These experiences ultimately guided her career in outdoor education and guiding. The study provides insights into how activities and expeditions can shift perceptions of body image, moving the focus from appearance to the body’s functions and capabilities. An example of two 33-day wilderness expeditions with teenage girls illustrates this transformation, informing the author’s PhD research. This case study explores how environments designed for outdoor experiences can help individuals shift their focus from their body’s appearance to its functionality, promoting greater self-acceptance. The study proposes a Holistic Model of Positive Body Image and Outdoor Physical Activity, offering lessons for those seeking to use outdoor experiences to foster positive body image development, particularly for women and adolescents. Information © CAB International 2025