Background: Identity development is an important aspect of human development that extends from adolescence through late adulthood. Recent research found how Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) programs influence identity development in adolescents and emerging adults, however, less is known about how OAE programs can be developmentally beneficial for older students. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the specific events on courses that are most important for adult identity development. Methodology: This study utilizes a narrative identity approach and collected turning point narratives from 60 NOLS alumni. Narratives were analyzed to identify event-types and self-event connections. Findings: The majority of narratives focused on relationship events (e.g., peer support, instructor support, conflict) or environmental events (e.g., challenging weather and terrain). Nearly half of all narratives contained self-event connections, suggesting that OAE experiences contain a plethora of moments that can influence a person’s identity. Conclusions: Overall, OAE programs can serve as a positive developmental space for adults and influence identity development in older students. Implications: Programs seeking to support adult development should consider how to create programs that emphasize relationship events and environmental events.
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