Self-esteem is a combination of self-respect and self-efficacy, according to Nathaniel Branden, author of "The Psychology of Self-Esteem" and "The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem." Branden defines self-efficacy as a belief in your ability to meet challenges. He defines self-respect as believing that you are worthy of being happy. Classroom teacher and former summer camp director Beverlee Brick of Hillsboro, Oregon, reports that several outdoor activities can build both traits that combine to build self-esteem.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing, says Brick, is an activity that requires ability, courage, trustworthiness and attention to detail. While climbing, a participant tests his skills and determination against nature herself, an activity that goes a long way toward building self-efficacy. While not climbing, a trained participant can "belay" a partner, holding the safety rope that prevents slips from turning into falls. This complex, detail-oriented task teaches the belayer that he is worthy of being trusted with another person's safety and trust. According to Brick, successful belaying can't help but build self-respect.
Horseback Riding
According to a 2000 article in the "Riverside Press-Enterprise", hippotherapy is the practice of using horseback riding as therapy for people with mental and physical disabilities. The bond between human and animal creates a sense of ability, trust and connection that some people have trouble experiencing with another human being. As with any skill, horseback riding also builds a sense of accomplishment as individual tasks grow easier with practice and experience. Although hippotherapy is intended for people with disabilities, all of the benefits of riding can apply to mainstream children and adults.
White Water Rafting
Riding white water requires a team of four to six people to work together to conquer a river, reports Oregon-based river guide Mike Byers. Working effectively as part of a team, especially in an environment where there is some risk if you fail, directly addresses both self-respect and self-efficacy. Although quite safe if done correctly, white water rafting can be deadly if the rafters don't know how to raft or are unfamiliar with the river they are running. Byers recommends always rafting with a qualified and knowledgeable guide.
Unstructured Time Outdoors
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and other behavior disorders have special challenges to their self-esteem, reports Brick. Because their abilities often affect their academic and social performance at school, self-respect and self-efficacy both suffer. Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods," reports research indicating that as little as one hour of unstructured, outdoor play time can be as effective as a dose of prescription medication in helping some children perform in school. This performance booster can boost self-esteem for the same reason that untreated symptoms reduce it.
References
- "The Six Pillars of Self Esteem"; Nathaniel Branden; 1994
- "The Psychology of Self Esteem"; Nathaniel Branden; 1969
- Beverlee Brick; Classroom Teacher; Hillsboro, OR
- "Hippotherapy Explained"; Mike Schwartz; Riverside Press-Enterprise, August 8, 2000
- "Last Child in the Woods"; Richard Louv; 2006
Member Comments