Spiritual Outcomes of Park Experience: A Synthesis of Recent Social Science Research

Abstract

Introduction In recent years there has been increasing empirical research on park experience and spirituality. In the vast majority of these studies, participants self-define spirituality. This paper summarizes and synthesizes this recent empirical research using the behavioral model of outdoor recreation as a framework (Figure 1) that allows for the inclusion of many factors involved in the relationship between park experience and spirituality. Due to space restrictions, only 16 of these studies are reviewed and synthesized in this paper. Antecedent conditions include personal history and current circumstances, attitude and motivation, sociodemographic characteristics, and spiritual tradition. Setting components include being in nature, being away (in a different environment), and place processes, such as place attachment and place meanings. Recreation components include activity, free time, solitude, and group experiences. The paper further explains how these conditions and components may lead to outcomes of spiritual experiences, spiritual well-being, and leisure-spiritual coping. The model presented takes into account the complexity of the park experience and spirituality relationship. This research synthesis is important as it may help park managers to better understand the processes that link park experience with spiritual outcomes, and to educate park visitors about these processes.