Perceptions of outdoor recreation professionals toward place meanings in natural environments: A Q-method inquiry

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of outdoor recreation professionals toward place meanings in natural environments. The study describes the views of outdoor recreation professionals with varied backgrounds and professional experiences toward the ways they find meaning in outdoor settings of personal significance. Participants in the study included 15 men and 15 women who either work or worked in various areas of the outdoor recreation profession. Q methodology was utilized to illuminate the ways this group thinks about meanings in outdoor places. Each participant completed a sorting procedure (called a Q-sort) according to the following condition of instruction: "How do you find meaning in a place in the out-of-doors?"

Findings and Conclusions: Analysis consisted of statistical procedures including correlation of the sorts and factor analysis for computation of the factor scores. Varimax rotation was performed on a three-factor solution, which best represented statistical and theoretical significance. Z-scores were calculated for each item on each factor to interpret each of the theoretical factor arrays along with distinguishing statements, demographic information, and exit question. The three views toward place meanings were interpreted as: 1) Relational, 2) Natural, and 3) Spiritual. The findings from this study show three distinct views toward place meanings among a group of outdoor recreation professionals. Additionally, the affective domain of attachment to nature was a defining phenomenon within each perspective. These findings delineate some of the ways that place meanings in the out-of-doors operate. Further, these findings can help the outdoor recreation profession in clarifying perceptions of place meaning views, which may potentially be used to promote intentional use of environmental values and beliefs.