Can a Simple Distraction Lower Fear Levels During a Sudden Scary Outdoor Situation?

Abstract

Adventure-based teaching can foster social and personal growth yet can scare and cause long-lasting anxiety in some group members. This study examined the effects of a simple distraction to lower stress levels during an approaching scary event. Forty-eight males (M = 20.2 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The stressor involved participants walking on a 3-m tower while blindfolded and jumping off into a pool. Self-report questionnaires, digital counters, heart rate, and peripheral temperature measures were used. A two-way analysis of variance indicated no significant difference in trait and state anxiety/ sensation seeking. However, a post hoc Scheffé’s test found significant changes in heart rate between the experimental groups and the control groups. Though not statistically different, the study’s results suggest that distractions affect heart rate, peripheral temperature, and state anxiety/sensation seeking, with raw scores rising (5% and 18%, respectively, for the latter). Future studies should consider other distraction-type strategies in which stress levels may hamper safety during group adventure activities.