Our Research
Intro to the science, psychology, and frameworks behind our work
OUR WORK IS BASED ON DECADES OF ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Our LIFE Model draws from the best experience design related processes from multiple fields. We use interdisciplinary research including original research conducted by our own executive team. We employ this process to consistently design and deliver high quality, intentional, and customized experiences for our clients.
Our network of researchers and leaders in the fields of business (organizational behavior), positive psychology, relationships, and experience design puts us at the leading edge of current concepts and theories on these subjects.
The intricacies inside this model have been crafted from some of the most advanced interdisciplinary research and theories, including: Self-Efficacy and Self-Determination theories, Identity Development, Flow Theory and Employee Experience, and Fractional Sublimation.
Our L.I.F.E Model
Intentionally co-designed experiences will create a greater impact on an individual and their mindset than any other form of traditional learning. Intense experiences deepen learning, bring clarity to perspectives, and create a unique bond among the participants.
We literally wrote the book on it
Since we understand the power of co-designed experiences, we typically apply what we have learned by engaging in new and challenging experiences, disconnecting from technology, deepening relationships, and making time to reflect and reconnect with our values. The experiential component is designed to emphasize and apply core principles and concepts.
SEE THE BOOK
Selected works from over 140 scholarly publications
Sources (click to expand)
Colbert, A. E., Bingham, J. B., Wang, G., & Choi, D. Shaping psychological contract perceptions: The role of transformational leadership. Target journal: Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.
Lacanienta, A., & Duerden, M. D. (2019). Designing and staging high-quality park and recreation experiences using co-creation. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 37(2), 118-131.
Duerden, M. D., Lundberg, N. R., Ward, P., Taniguchi, S. T., Hill, B., Widmer, M. A., & Zabriskie, R. (2018). From ordinary to extraordinary: A framework of experience types, Journal of Leisure Research, (49)3-5, 196-216.
Lacanienta, A., Duerden, M.D., Widmer, M. (2018). Leisure at work and employee flourishing. Journal of Leisure Research, 49(3-5), 311-332.
Selee, J., Johnson, J., Murray, J., Samuelson, A., Li, J., Lacanienta, A., Duerden, M., & Widmer, M. (2017). From play to performance: Building an effective organization. Marriott Student Review, 1(3), 36-41.
Taniguchi, S. (2015). The wilderness adventure offers a path to self-actualization. In Noel Merino (Ed.), Wilderness Adventure in Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild”. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press.
Duerden, M. D., Ward, P., & Freeman, P. (2015). Conceptualizing structured experiences: Seeking interdisciplinary integration. Journal of Leisure Research 47(5), 601-620.
Ewert, A. W., & Taniguchi, S. (2015). Motivation and satisfaction in mountaineering. In Musa, G., Carr, A., & Higham, J. (Eds.), Mountaineering Tourism, New York, NY: Routledge.
Bingham, J.B., Hendricks, H., & Sanders, G. (2015). Psychological contracts. In Griffin, R.W. (Ed.) Oxford Bibliographies in Management. New York: Oxford University Press.
Miller, J., Rodgers, Z., & Bingham, J. B. (2014). Moral awareness. In Agle, B.R., Thompson, J.A., Hart, D., & Hendricks, H. (Eds.), Research Companion to Ethical Behavioral in Organizations: Constructs and Measures. Massachusetts. Edward Elgar.
Bingham, J. (2014). Status and the true believer: The impact of psychological contracts on social status attributions of friendship and influence. Organization Science, Informs.
Widmer, M. A., Duerden, M. D., & Taniguchi, S. T. (2014). Increasing and generalizing self-efficacy: The effects of adventure recreation on the academic efficacy of early adolescents. Journal of Leisure Research 46(2), 165-183.
Widmer, M. A. (2013). Theories of the good life. In A.C. Michalos (Ed.), Encyclopedia of quality of life research. New York: Springer.
Widmer, M., Duerden, M., & Taniguchi, S. (2013). The diversity of therapeutic recreation: Application of TR in corporate world of business. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 47(1), 1-12.
Bingham, J.B., Mitchell, B.W., Bishop, D.G., & Allen, N.J. (2013). Working for a higher purpose: A theoretical framework for commitment to organization-sponsored causes. Human Resource Management Review, 23, 174 – 189.
Molyneux, K., Widmer, M., & Taniguchi, S. (2012). Qualitative analysis of a corporate outdoor adventure learning program. 2012 Leisure Research Symposium Abstracts, National Recreation and Park Association, Ashburn: VA.
Duerden, M. D., Taniguchi, S., & Widmer, M. A. (2012). Antecedents of identity development in a structured recreation setting: A qualitative inquiry. Journal of Adolescent Research 27(2), 183-202.
Duerden, M. D., Witt, P. A., & Taniguchi, S. (2012). The impact of post-program reflection on recreation program outcomes. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 30(1), 36-50.
Widmer, M. A., Taniguchi, S. T. (2011) Wholesome Family Recreation: Building Strong Families, In Alan Hawkins, David Dollahite & Thomas Draper (Eds), Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives, Salt Lake City, UT: BYU Studies Press/Deseret Book, p. 225-236.
Bingham, J.B., Mitchell, B., Bishop, D., & Allen, N.J. (2011, May). Working for a higher purpose: A theoretical framework for commitment to organization-sponsored causes. Paper presented at the 2011 May Meaning Meeting, Sundance, UT.
Duerden, M. D., & Witt, P.A. (2010). The impact of direct and indirect experiences on the development of environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(4), 379-392.
Duerden, M. D., Widmer, M. A., Taniguchi, S. T., & McCoy, J. K. (2009). Adventures in identity development: The impact of adventure recreation on adolescent identity development. Identity, 9(4), 341-359.
Widmer, M. (2008). Creating a good life: The case for seeking challenge in personal and family recreation. Fitness and Lifestyles Management, Vincent, W. & Davidson, L. (Eds.) p 245-264. Provo, UT: BYU Academic Publishing.
Widmer, M. A., Duerden, M. D., & Taniguchi, S. T. (2006). White water rafting, backpacking, mountain biking, and the good life: Effects of a wilderness program based on principles from Positive Psychology on disadvantaged adolescents. Leisure Research Symposium Abstracts, National Recreation and Park Association, Ashburn: VA, 39.
Woodman, R. W., Bingham, J. B., & Yuan, F. (2007). Assessing organizational development interventions. In T. G. Cummings (Ed.), Handbook of Organizational Development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 187–215.
Boswell, W. R., Bingham, J. B., & Colvin, A. J. S. (2006). Aligning employees through “line of sight.” Business Horizons, 49, 499–509.
Widmer, M. A., Taniguchi, S. T., Duerden, M., & Freeman, P. (2005). Increasing and generalizing self-efficacy: Effects of wilderness guide training on academic efficacy. Abstracts from the 2005 Leisure Research Symposium. Ashburn, VA: National Recreation and Parks Association, 65.
Taniguchi, S. T., Freeman, P. A., & Richards, A. L. (2005). Attributes of meaningful learning experiences in an outdoor education program. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 5(2), 131-144.
Freeman, P. A., Nelson, D., & Taniguchi, S. T. (2003). Philosophy and practice of wilderness-based experiential learning. The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 74(8), 25-27.
Huff, C., Widmer, M.A., McCoy, K. J., & Hill, B.J. (2003). The Influence of Challenging Outdoor Recreation on Parent-Adolescent Communication. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 37(1), 18-37.
Widmer, M. & Ellis, G. (1998). The Aristotelian Good Life model: Integration of values into therapeutic recreation service delivery. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(4), 290-302.
“People are less likely to change themselves and others based on data and analysis than on compelling experiences.
Feelings often trump thinking.”
— Dr. Edward Deci