Predicting Behavioral Intentions to Comply with Recommended Leave No Trace Practices |
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| Authors: | Wade M Vagias Robert B Powell D Dewayne Moore Brett A Wright |
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| Institution: | 1. National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, WY, USAwade_vagias@nps.gov;3. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA;4. Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA;5. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) for predicting backcountry visitors’ behavioral intentions to comply with recommended Leave No Trace practices. Once confirmed, factors predictive of behavioral intentions can be used to inform the development of more effective persuasive communication strategies and educational messaging. Study participants were overnight backcountry visitors to either Olympic National Park, Washington, or Glacier National Park, Montana. The final model explained over 44% of the variance in the dependent variable, but significant predictors differed between the two parks. Discussion is provided as well as suggestions for those charged with disseminating Leave No Trace messaging. |
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| Keywords: | Leave No Trace LNT structural equation modeling Theory of Planned Behavior |
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