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At First Descents, we are committed to rigorously evaluating program impact and continually strengthening the effectiveness of our work. We collect standardized post-program survey data from participants to assess outcomes related to psychosocial well-being, including measures of connection, self-efficacy, and quality of life. These insights directly inform ongoing program refinement and delivery.
This participant-reported data is complemented by formal research. To date, First Descents has participated in three independent impact studies focused on our oncology programs, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting adventure-based, peer-supported interventions for young adults with serious health conditions.
As our programs expand, we are applying these same evaluation frameworks to our work with individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and with healthcare professionals, ensuring consistency in how we measure and understand outcomes across populations.
Our approach aligns with the National Cancer Institute’s identification of psychosocial supportive care as a critical determinant of long-term survivorship outcomes. First Descents delivers this support through immersive, peer-based outdoor experiences designed to foster resilience, social connection, and sustained behavior change.
Cancer, MS, and other serious health conditions present distinct clinical and psychosocial challenges during young adulthood, a developmental stage defined by identity formation, career-building, and relationship development. Cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), with more than 90,000 new diagnoses annually in the United States, making it the fastest-growing and most underserved demographic in oncology.
Similarly, MS is the most common neuroinflammatory disease affecting young adults and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, further underscoring the need for interventions that address both medical and psychosocial complexity during this life stage.
*Source: seer.cancer.gov, American Cancer Society, National MS Society
In 2015, First Descents worked with the University of Michigan to evaluate the psychosocial benefits of our programming. The infographic above highlights the top findings from this study including an increase in self esteem, body image and our participants ability to cope with cancer and its ongoing effects. Additionally, reports of moderate to severe depression and anxiety (as measured by the PHQ-4) marked a 60% decrease for FD participants.
This 2015 study continued First Descents’ effort to better understand the psychosocial effects of going on a First Descents program following up on a study conducted in 2012 with the Keck Graduate Institute. The full studies from 2015 and 2012 are linked below.
