Does Challenge by Choice Increase Participation?

Abstract

Challenge by choice (CBC) has been regarded as a foundational principle for challenge ropes course programs. Although CBC is widely accepted as the primary mechanism for facilitating intended ropes course outcomes, especially a participant’s involvement, until recently it had remained an untested assumption. This study explored the role of CBC as it pertains to participants’ involvement in adventure activities. Using a general inductive data analysis approach, three themes emerged: instruction, atmosphere, and challenge. Whereas instruction positively influenced involvement, atmosphere and challenge had both positive and negative influences. Findings suggest that CBC might be necessary but not sufficient in explaining students’ involvement in adventure activities.