Toward a better understanding of the social benefits of outdoor recreation participation

Abstract

This paper proposes that recreation resource managers need to give more attention to the benefits that a person derives from participation in recreation activities. Behavioral information is described as one of several types of knowledge needed in recreation planning and management decisions. A model outlining the dynamics of a recreationist's behavior is presented. Within that model sequences of specific types of recreation behavior are traced from: deciding on a particular recreation activity, planning and preparation, on-site engagement, recall, realizing satisfying experiences, to gaining the ultimate benefits these experiences can produce. Personal and social benefits of recreation participation are defined as the ways in which an individual functions or performs more effectively because of his having participated in a recreation activity. The importance to recreation resource management of information on these benefits is described as is the state of knowledge for identifying and measuring them. Throughout, the need for additional research is emphasized.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Southern States Recreation Research Applications Workshop

Citation

Driver, B. L. 1976. Toward a better understanding of the social benefits of outdoor recreation participation. In: Proceedings of the Southern States Recreation Research Applications Workshop. Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-9. Asheville, NC: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station: 163-189