The effects of wilderness settings on organized groups: a state-of-knowledge paper

Organized groups present a major use of wilderness resources. The focus of this paper is on the research findings that have emerged over the past 12 years concerning the benefits and effects of participation by groups in wilderness and wilderness-like areas. In general, the majority of research in this area has provided evidence of the beneficial and positive effects of wilderness partici- pation by both individuals and groups. This paper categorizes these benefits and effects into three major variable clusters: self-systems, therapeutic outcomes, and group dynamics. Also included is a discussion of the implications of these findings and issues to man- agers, educators, and researchers.