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.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have