Who are Outdoor Families?

Outdoor Families Magazine is not a research based entity, however, we do work hard to break down barriers and concentrate on an overall goal to inspire families, young and old, to spend time outside together in nature. Using existing research, common themes were identified that show benefits and barriers to individuals and their families with regard to outdoor recreation. The result is illustrated in the graphic above.

Literature review

Research method

Much has been written about the benefits of spending time in the outdoors, the Outdoor Families Magazine team decided to focus upon existing published articles by other entities and data representing the scope of focus areas.

Research criteria

• recent literature publications, articles, journals, and thesis papers written by college graduate students
• must be relevant to families and /or children and the outdoors, outdoor recreation, nature, outdoor travel, etc.
• print and digital were both utilized

Analysis of Existing Research

• a spreadsheet?created of existing research and data with all citations and links to documents, if online
• data analysis of existing research completed by other entities?to?identify all?common themes and topics gathered for this project

Findings

Common themes relating to?outdoor families, identification of benefits of time spent outdoors in nature, and barriers / challenges families face getting outdoors, whether it is individually or together as a family were identified and grouped.

Data References used for infographic?research:

1. Hammond, D., McFarland, A., Zajicek, J., Waliczek, T. (2011). Growing Minds: The Relationship Between Parental Attitudes Toward Their Child’s Outdoor Recreation and Their Child’s Health. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from Growing Minds: The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Their Child’s Outdoor Recreation and Their Child’s Health.
2. McCurdy, MPhil, L., Winterbottom, MPH, K., Mehta, MPH, S., & Roberts, MD, MPH, J. (2010). Using Nature and Outdoor Activity to Improve Children’s Health. 40(6). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from ..pdf
3. Boyes, M. (2013). Outdoor adventure and successful ageing. Ageing and Society, 33(4), 644-665?doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X12000165
4. West, P. C., & Merriam, L. C., J. (2009). Outdoor recreation and?family cohesiveness: A research approach. Journal of Leisure Research, 41(3), 351-359.
5. Colonna, A., Hall, S., Huntley, C., & King, K. (n.d.).Barriers and Motivations for Outdoor Family Recreation on the Florida National Scenic Trail (Dec. 2013) Retrieved December 7,?2014
6. Eureka!’s “Getting Youth Outdoors” Survey Reveals Why There Is A Decline In Outdoor Participation Among The Younger?Generation. (2013, July 23). Retrieved December 10, 2014, from?http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eurekas-getting-youth-outdoors-survey-reveals-why-there-is-a-decline-in-outdoor-participation-among-the-younger-generation-216576351.html
7. The Outdoor Foundation (2012) Outdoor Recreation Participation?Report 2012. (2012, January 1). Retrieved December 9, 2014, from http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc3658.ashx
8. Outdoor Industry Association. The Next Generation of Outdoor Participants 2007. (2007, January 1). Retrieved December 11, 2014, from?http://outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/ResearchNextGeneration.pdf?55

Acknowledgements

Research and data analysis provided by: