Specialization and marine based environmental behaviors among SCUBA divers

Brijesh Thapa, Alan R. Graefe, Louisa A. Meyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between recreation specialization and marine based environmental behaviors among SCUBA divers. Additionally, the study compared relationships with various types of environmental behaviors employing an overall multiple-item index and individual dimensions of recreation specialization (behavioral, cognitive and affective). Data (n = 370) were collected (May-September 2002) in the St. Petersburg/Sarasota region of southwest Florida, USA. Measures of environmental behaviors (16 items) and recreation specialization (17 items) were adapted from the literature. This study identified a positive association between the level of specialization and marine based environmental behaviors; as specialization in SCUBA diving increased, environmentally responsible behaviors also increased. In addition, individual specialization dimensions revealed more explanatory detail for the three distinct behavioral dimensions. Implications for further research and marine resource management are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)601-615
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Leisure Research
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Specialization and marine based environmental behaviors among SCUBA divers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this