Crowding perception determinants at intensively developed outdoor recreation sites

Abstract

A study of the causes of crowding perceptions at a heavily used recreation area is reported. It was hypothesized that perceived crowding would be positively correlated with recreationists’ exposure to threatening behavior, and with the probability that physical movement was constrained. Both hypotheses received support. Goal‐related crowding, stemming from incompatibilities between physical density levels and various psychological goals motivating participation in an activity, was unimportant at this site, although such crowding experiences have been reported in studies of wilderness users. In addition, an objective measure of use density was also unrelated to crowding perceptions.

Key words:

• crowding
• outdoor recreation
• social psychology