ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the empirical findings on outdoor activities using the behavioural model of outdoor recreation and spirituality using a framework that includes antecedent conditions, setting and recreation factors, and spiritual outcomes. Gardeners with religious views viewed their garden 'as an extension of their spirituality and a confirmation of their beliefs', while those with secular views tended to 'embed their spirituality in their relationship with nature as manifested in their garden'. Factors related to setting, such as being in nature, going away to a different environment and place processes, may influence spiritual outcomes. Participants in qualitative studies have identified numerous and diverse outdoor activities they associate with spiritual outcomes. The importance for spirituality of solitude in the outdoors has been reported by several studies. Facilitation may play an important role in spiritual outcomes for outdoor activities that occur in a group or as a part of a programme.
