Evaluating the impact of Outward Bound Singapore on youth resilience: the roles of helicopter parenting and basic psychological needs

Resilience is critical in youth development, yet research on resilience-building programs lacks clarity on long-term outcomes and family factors. This study examined the effectiveness of the Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) program in fostering state resilience among youths and explored how trait resilience relates to helicopter parenting (HP) and psychological needs fulfilment. An online survey of 116 Singaporean students (Mage = 18.84, SDage = 1.91) was conducted. A mixed-design ANOVA with condition (intervention vs. control) as a between-subjects factor and time (pre-intervention, post-intervention, follow-up) as a within-subjects factor tested the effectiveness of OBS. Cluster analysis identified four trait resilience profiles based on maternal and paternal HP, basic psychological needs, parental education, and household income. Results indicated short-term improvements in state resilience, particularly among OBS participants. HP and psychological needs fulfilment influenced trait resilience more than socioeconomic status. Findings underscore the importance of experiential learning and sustained interventions integrating institutional support and parental involvement.