Satisfaction in Whitewater Rafting: The Effects of Risk, Emotion Management and Personality
Year: 2012
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Successful adventure recreation often includes the emotional arousal offered by the thrill and risk of the activity.In the context of commercial adventure recreation, guest satisfaction is associated with many benefits for both guest and service provider.This study examines the effect of the characteristics and abilities of the whitewater raft guide on guest satisfaction levels.The study consisted of surveying the guides and guests associated with a single outfitter on the Ocoee River, a popular river for rafting in the southeastern United Sates.Regression analyses measured the effects of various guide attributes (i.e., risk propensity, personality, guide proficiency, and ability to provide for emotional arousal) on guest satisfaction.Guest satisfaction was most strongly related to those aspects of the trip and guide abilities that provided for the most thrilling and exciting experience.Guide-specific attributes, such as risk propensity and personality, proved to have minimal influence on guest satisfaction.This study is exploratory in nature, responds to a breadth of qualitative research, and highlights the need for more substantial research addressing the guide-guest interaction.
Author: Steven R. W. Foy
Institution: Ohio University
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2272048857