Beyond crisis management: ethical principles and trauma-informed care in outdoor learning and outdoor adventure therapies

This article critically revisits a foundational early framework for managing emotional crises in outdoor learning and therapeutic programmes. The framework prioritises crisis prevention and structured management in line with the ethical principle of non-maleficence (doing no harm). The article argues that such approaches require deeper consideration of the ethical concerns surrounding the exposure of vulnerable individuals to emotional risks without a clear therapeutic or pedagogical rationale, linked to the principle of beneficence (promoting wellbeing). It further contends that non-maleficence and beneficence in outdoor learning and outdoor adventure therapies must be balanced with autonomy, the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their participation, which is crucial for ethical practice. By examining current ethical debates and psychological dimensions, this article provides a deeper understanding of ethical responsibilities beyond crisis management and highlights the importance of trauma-informed care as framework for supporting and promoting participant wellbeing.