[pct-l] PCT Research Update

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good afternoon,

Based upon the depth and breadth of those findings, I say any associated
funding greater than $25 was uncompensated.

Steel-Eye

-Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/


On Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 4:42 AM, Katherine Soule <kesoule at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello! During the summer of 2010 researchers from California Polytechnic
> State University conducted on-trail interviews with 56 PCT thru and section
> hikers. Through this message, we would like to share our findings with you.
>
>
>
> While the results are limited to these particular hikers, this research
> reveals a number of outcomes and benefits of hiking the PCT.
>
> 1)    Most hikers will apply their PCT experience and trail learning to
> other areas of their lives. In fact, the majority of the hikers we
> interviewed reported this finding. Many hikers also expressed concerns
> about integrating their hiking experiences with their “real lives.” By
> making plans to transfer learning and outcomes to other areas of their
> lives, hikers can integrate the trail experience with other aspects of
> their lives. For example, living more simply at home, continuing to
> participate in challenging physical activities, or actively engaging with a
> hiking community.
>
> 2)    The experience of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail through
> wilderness areas provides participants with new perspectives and the
> opportunity to experience fun and excitement, while interacting with
> others.
>
> 3)    As fun and enjoyment of life and warm relationships with others were
> two most frequently mentioned values, participation in the long-distance
> hiking culture appears to be as important to participants as the actual act
> of hiking.
>
>
>
> Additionally, this research pointed to differences in outcomes and outcome
> attainment based on gender:
>
> 1)    Female hikers reported gaining self-respect, esteem, or confidence
> from their trail experiences, especially through hiking and interacting
> with other people.
>
> 2)    Male hikers reported enjoying warm relationships with others through
> new perspectives gained from hiking, new experiences and opportunities, and
> being in the wilderness or outdoors.
>
>
>
> We are grateful for the participation of the hikers, who took time from
> their daily hiking schedule to speak with us and shared personal
> experiences and learning. Additionally, we would like to thank
> McIntire-Stennis and the Agricultural Research Initiative for funding
> support, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail Association for research
> support.
>
>
>
> Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
>
>
>
> Marni Goldenberg, Ph.D.
> Associate Professor
> Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration Department
> California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
> (805) 756-7627
> FAX (805) 756-7508
> Website: http://www.rpta.calpoly.edu/
>
> Recreation, Parks, & Tourism
> "Live it, protect it, explore it!"
>
>
> --
> Katherine Soule, MS
> Instructor, Recreation and Leisure Studies
> Ph.D. Student, Recreation and Leisure Studies
> Department of Counseling and Human Development Services
> 427J Aderhold Hall
> Athens, GA 30602
>
> 706-542-5064 (main office)
> 706-542-7917 (fax)
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