University of Houston Research Finds Difficult Outdoor Fun Boosts Youth Growth

A University of Houston professor created a brand new theoretical framework for understanding
enjoyable that builds on the “three types of fun” typically mentioned in outside and journey
programming. (Credit Getty Images)

Contrary to fashionable perception, not all enjoyable is created equal. New analysis from the University
of Houston reveals sure kinds of enjoyable, significantly these with outside journey
elements, might provide higher social and emotional advantages for youth.

Bradley H. Smith, professor within the Department of Psychological, Health and Learning
Sciences in UH’s College of Education, explores this concept in a study published in August within the Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education.

In it, Smith introduces a brand new theoretical framework for understanding enjoyable: the “Four
Types of Fun” mannequin. This builds on the “three types of fun” typically mentioned in outside
and journey programming.

“I don’t think people take fun seriously enough,” Smith stated. “It’s a primary human
want, and we’re higher off doing it.”

Defining the Four Types of Fun

Until now, three classes of out of doors enjoyable have solely existed informally relatively than
outlined in tutorial literature. Smith’s expanded framework formally defines the 4
sorts as:

• Type 1 (leisure enjoyable): Low-effort, enjoyable actions like lounging on a seashore
• Type 2 (difficult enjoyable): Outdoor actions that will not really feel enjoyable within the second however
  are rewarding after, similar to mountaineering or mountain climbing
• Type 3 (journey enjoyable): High-adrenaline experiences similar to rollercoasters or bungee
  leaping
• Type 4 (overindulgent enjoyable): Enjoyable experiences that may turn out to be extreme, such
  as consuming an excessive amount of pizza and getting a stomachache later

Type 2 enjoyable, the main focus of Smith’s analysis, entails problem, novelty and a small-group
setting — all whereas being led by an grownup mentor offering mental and emotional
steering.

The supreme Type 2 exercise can be stimulating and barely uncomfortable however not
overwhelming, similar to navigating a troublesome hike, working a marathon or snowboarding a troublesome
slope.

Why It Matters

Smith stated he believes there’s a broader cultural problem: society typically undervalues
enjoyable, particularly in work or studying settings. However, experiential studying alternatives
which can be purposeful and difficult can promote optimistic youth improvement and character
constructing.

This might clarify why outside education schemes have been proven to outperform different
fashionable youth applications like service studying, mentoring or social-emotional curricula,
in accordance with a 2015 study.

Smith stated he believes the 4 kinds of enjoyable may very well be utilized in additional standard
environments, similar to school rooms and even workplaces.

“To what extent can we attempt to domesticate Type 2 enjoyable in colleges? What if we actually attempt
to make studying enjoyable and difficult?” he stated.

Looking forward, Smith plans to proceed his analysis by creating instruments to measure
the presence and influence of Type 2 enjoyable in organizations, and surveying contributors
about their experiences.