Perceived benefits of hiking as an outdoor recreation activity in Hong Kong

Abstract

ABSTRACT : It is perceived that psychological benefits motivate people to seek outdoor
experiences in addition to social and biological benefits. Individual needs are usually
influenced by one’s socio-demographic situation, past experience, personal attitudes and
values among other factors. In this study, a survey was conducted that assessed individual
perception and satisfaction of hiking activities (n=146). Enjoying nature and escaping
from physical pressure are the most important outcomes perceived by respondents
whereas developing leadership skills and family togetherness are least important. Paired
t-test determined that a significant proportion of respondents were not satisfied with their
needs for enjoyment. Implications of unsatisfactory experience in relation to
environmental, personal and other factors are discussed. Five subgroups of participants in
hiking activities among the respondents were identified as: 1) low demand on all benefits;
2) inactive youngsters; 3) young working adults with diverse interests; 4) active
naturalists; and 5) well-educated working class, enthusiastic hikers. Furthermore, age is
not the most significant factor in this analysis, instead, socioeconomic status and trip
related factors highly contributed to the classification. The perception of psychological
benefits also varied across the subgroups. Their roles, changes and prospects are also
discussed based on the research findings.

BENEFICIOS PERCEBIDOS DA CAMINHADA COMO UMA
ATIVIDADE DE RECREAÇÃO EXTERNA EM HONG KONG

RESUMO: Observa-se que aspectos psicológicos motivam as pessoas a buscarem
experiências externas em adição aos benefícios sociais e biológicos. Necessidades
individuais são geralmente influenciadas pela situação sócio-demográfica de cada um,
experiências passadas, atitudes pessoais e valores entre outros fatores. Nesse estudo, uma
pesquisa foi realizada avaliando a percepção individual e a satisfação de atividades de
caminhada (n=146).