Evaluating the Impact of a Recreational Therapy and Rock Climbing Program on Resilience and Self-Efficacy in College Students

Abstract

This exploratory study evaluated a program focused on building resiliency and self-efficacy in college students through a combination of rock climbing and recreational therapy interventions that included mindfulness, and reflective journaling activities. The study imbedded therapeutic programming in an introductory rock climbing course offered through a university over three consecutive days. Secondary aims were to determine the feasibility of offering therapeutic programming to college students within a recreation-based academic course and to evaluate the program’s value to students. Results indicate participants (N = 12) experienced a significant increase in resilience (p = .003) and self-efficacy (p = .01) post-program, and all participants either agreed (n = 4) or strongly agreed (n = 8) the program had value to them. Feasibility data using multiple measures indicate it is feasible to offer brief, therapeutic programming as part of a university rock climbing course.