An exploratory analysis of coping schemes used by paddlers who camped in the St. Regis Canoe Area, New York

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2009

Author(s): Probst, B.M., R.M. Schuster and C.P. Dawson

Pages: 139-146

Suggested Citation: Probst, B.M., R.M. Schuster and C.P. Dawson. 2009. An exploratory analysis of coping schemes used by paddlers who camped in the St. Regis Canoe Area, New York. In: D.B. Klenosky and C. LeBlanc Fisher (eds.). Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. General Technical Report NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 139-146 p.

Abstract

This study addresses requirements in the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan for developing unit management plans. Recreational paddlers in New York State's St. Regis Canoe Area were surveyed about their perceptions of stress from daily hassles common to outdoor recreation activities, their coping responses to hassles, daily visit satisfaction, and overall trip satisfaction. Most paddlers who camped used coping schemes that combined problem- and emotion-focused strategies to achieve satisfaction. Overall, paddler-campers were either very satisfied or satisfied with their camping trip experience in the St. Regis Canoe Area. Results suggest that current coping efforts are effective in mediating stressful situations, but may not continue to be adequate if frustrating conditions persist or worsen. Managers should consider the amount and type of coping being used to overcome dissatisfaction and achieve trip satisfaction.