An Exploratory Study of the Complexities of Coping Behavior in Adirondack Wilderness

Abstract

Recreation researchers have considered coping behaviors one possible explanation for wilderness recreationists' high overall satisfaction levels despite reports of visitor over-crowding and other social conditions exceeding acceptable levels. Studies of recreationists' use of behavioral coping and cognitive coping mechanisms have had mixed results. This study used field-based interviews and surveys to identify coping behavior by hikers in the wilderness areas of New York's Adirondack Park. Findings indicate that wilderness hikers develop complex and variable strategies of coping behavior to maintain multiple satisfactions.

Keywords:

• coping behavior
• satisfaction
• wilderness

Acknowledgements

This study was funded under support from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the McIntire-Stennis research funding program, and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. The constructive input of nine peer-reviewers is appreciated.