Testing the Adventure Model: Empirical Support for a Model of Risk Recreation Participation

Abstract

The search for risk and danger in outdoor recreation activities is a phenomenon currently facing recreation managers. This study tested the validity of an adventure recreation model of participation. Using the level of engagement as the dependent variable, the model was effective in identifying the components of type of risk, level of risk, social orientation, locus of decision-making, frequency of participation, and preferred environment in the adventure recreation setting. It is suggested that the model can be used by managers and researchers in identifying the types of social, psychological, and physical environments that are preferred by adventure recreationalists relative to their level of experience and engagement in the activity.