Perceptions Of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Toward Place Meanings In Natural Environments: A Q-Method Inquiry

Although person-place relationships have been studied, there is a need for a better understanding of the relationship between theory and the meanings attributed to places by practitioners. Using Q-methodology to capture subjective perceptions of experience, this study investigated the place meanings of a diverse sample of outdoor recreation professionals. Thirty participants completed a theoretically-grounded sorting procedure (Q-sort) beginning with the question: "How do you find meaning in a place in the out-of-doors?" Analysis followed Q methodology procedures (correlation, factor analysis, rotation) and resulted in three subjective views toward place: Relational, Natural, or Spiritual. Practically, outdoor programming can be intentionally designed according to diversity in place meanings. Theoretically, this study describes a useful research strategy for exploring subjectivity in leisure contexts.