An Analysis of Factors that Lead to Commitment to Parks and Protected Areas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand elements of park visitors’ commitment to parks and protected areas with focus on psychological commitment to several Alberta provincial parks. The study sought to examine both single and combined effects of age, gender, and socio-economic status (SES) on psychological commitment. Several linear regression models were used for this analysis. Some of the more notable findings included: women control the decision to visit a park significantly more than men do; older adults were significantly more committed than younger adults; high SES visitors were significantly more committed than low SES visitors; and finally, the age by commitment association was moderated by economic motivations in that the high economically motivated visitors were significantly more committed at a younger age.