Threat and Coping Appraisal as Mediators of Adaptation Intentions in Place Attached and Activity Involved Scuba Divers

Abstract

This study seeks to build on existing research into activity involvement and place attachment by considering the mediating effect of perceptions of threat and coping appraisal processes. Using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a theoretical framework, the study evaluates how place attachment and activity involvement influence adaptation intentions by accounting for both the direct and indirect effect of these attachment variables. Australian and Canadian divers were surveyed to measure PMT constructs in relation to six adaptation responses, attachment to place, and activity involvement. Results from the study did not support PMT as a useful extension of place attachment and activity involvement in terms of additional explained variance, but the results did offer insights into competing and indirect effects. Overall, greater place attachment or activity involvement typically predicts less ability to adapt and less perceived effectiveness of an adaptation, suggesting adaptation may be perceived to be of less utility to these individuals. Implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Activity involvement
• behavioral adaptation
• climate change
• place attachment
• protection motivation theory

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the comments and suggestions of Daniel Scott, Bryan Smale, and Luke Potwarka.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.