Natural Medicine: Wilderness Experience Outcomes for Combat Veterans

Abstract

Wilderness Experience Programs (WEPs) have been shown to enhance psychological well-being for numerous populations. However, among veteran populations, these studies have historically evaluated programs that are short-term experiences, usually less than 1 week. The current research sought to evaluate a WEP for post-9/11 combat veterans engaging in a 6-month long-distance thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Narratives were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative data analyses, and four themes were revealed: Social Reconnection, Life-Improving Change, Inner Peace and Psychological Healing, and Processing and Reflection.