An Ocean of Possibilities: Investigating well-being and eco-agency on the Skagerrak voyage
Outdoor education is widely recognized as a powerful tool for promoting personal growth and, increasingly, environmental responsibility. To explore this within an ocean-based context, we analyzed survey data from 124 participants (researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts; 78 female, 46 male; ages 18–65), who joined the Skagerrak-Seilasen voyage (09–22 June 2025), sailing between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The study examined how this experience influenced participants’ well-being, understanding of ocean conservation, and confidence in contributing to sustainability. Pre- and post-surveys included the WHO-5 well-being scale, the Climate Action Efficacy Scale (Bostrom et al., 2019), and open-ended questions. Preliminary quantitative analysis indicates significant improvements in well-being indicators such as feeling inspired (d = 0.72, p < .001) and cheerful (d = 0.62, p < .001), along with increased belonging (d = 0.50, p < .001) and calmness (d = 0.55, p < .001). Confidence in acting more sustainably (d = 0.38, p = .0005) and perceived influence on ocean conservation (d = 0.35, p = .0014) also increased. Responses to open-ended questions point to enhanced ocean-related knowledge and practical sailing skills. Frequently mentioned highlights included meaningful teamwork, inspiration from expert talks, and renewed motivation for conservation efforts, despite personal struggles with seasickness and fatigue. These findings underscore the potential of ocean-based outdoor education combined with ocean tourism to advance well-being and sustainability goals. Implications include identifying enablers and pitfalls for designing educational programs and sustainable ocean-based tourism that integrate maritime experiences to foster eco-agency and environmental stewardship.
Publisert i The 11th International Outdoor Education Research Conference, 2026
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