Effect of Flow, Experience and Motivation on Connectedness to Nature

Effect of Flow, Experience and Motivation on Connectedness to Nature | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effect of Flow, Experience and Motivation on Connectedness to Nature Hakan AKDENIZ, Gül YAĞAR, Ozan YILMAZ, Özlem ALTUNÖZ This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6165402/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Scientific studies on the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of recreationists participating in winter sports (ski/snowboard) tourism are limited. This study examines the relationship among the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of nature-based tourist recreationists. Methods A total of 123 volunteer participants, 90 males and 33 females, with an average age of 34.82 ± 7.76 skiing and snowboarding in Türkiye were included in the study. For data analysis, SPSS a statistical package program, was used. The hierarchical regression analysis and correlation analysis was performed. Results This study was determined that the scales were in a positive linear relationship with each other ( p < 0.001). Individuals’ flow experiences were taken into account, and 15% of the flow experience’s commitment to nature alone (𝛽 Flow = .381; p < 0.001), and the experience status were included in the flow experience level, and together they accounted for 36% (𝛽 Flow =.214; 𝛽 Experience =.491; p < 0.001), motivation levels were added and it was determined how much the three scales included in the study together affect the commitment to nature. It was determined that all scales explained 64% (𝛽 Flow = .142; 𝛽 Experience =.362; 𝛽 Motivation =.289; p < 0.001). Conclusions In this study on recreationists obtained results that support previous studies. The results once again show that nature-based activities enable individuals to experience flow and thus increase their commitment to nature. Nature-Based Tourism Winter Sports Connectedness to Nature Flow Experience Motivation Introduction Nature has a significant impact on people's mood, physical health, and overall quality of life. The challenges of modern life have reduced individuals' interactions with nature, which have negative effects on mental and physical health. Today, urbanization and technological developments weaken individuals' ties with nature, leading to various psychological and physical problems [ 1 ]. However, many studies in the literature reveal the positive effects of the natural resources on human health. Individuals' interaction with nature reduces stress levels and improves quality of life [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. It also shows that interaction with nature has positive effects on individuals' life satisfaction. It was determined that the life satisfaction of individuals who engaged in nature sports was higher than the life satisfaction of individuals who did not [ 8 , 9 ]. Skiing, as a nature-based sport, fosters a distinctive engagement between individuals and their surroundings, which can markedly improve both mental and physical well-being. Skiing offers an intense physical workout while allowing skiers to engage with the tranquil beauty of natural settings, cultivating a profound connection with the environment. This connection is advantageous since it enhances an individual's bond with nature, which has been demonstrated to improve overall well-being and mental health outcomes [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Skiing is an activity that enhances individuals' engagement with nature and reinforces their connection to it. Simultaneously, it can beneficially influence people's mental and physical well-being by offering both physical exercise and the chance to engage with natüre [ 13 , 14 ]. This enhances individuals' affinity for nature and bolsters conservation initiatives. The concepts of flow state, experience, and motivation are important elements that strengthen skiers' connection with nature. A flow state is one in which individuals are completely immersed in an activity and do not realize how time passes [ 15 , 16 ]. Activities that interact with nature, like skiing, are more prone to experiencing disruptions or changes in environmental conditions. During skiing, individuals can enjoy the natural beauty while developing their skills to cope with physical challenges. This process strengthens individuals' ties with nature and positively affects their mental and physical health [ 17 , 18 ]. Experience is another important factor that reinforces skiers' connection with nature. Experiences while skiing can deepen individuals' relationships with nature. Challenges and successes encountered during skiing can increase individuals' self-confidence and create a sense of attachment to nature. In this context, skiing experience can be considered a tool that increases individuals' attachment to nature [ 18 , 19 ]. Moreover, outdoor sports such as skiing increase individuals' interactions with nature and improve their environmental awareness [ 14 , 18 ]. Motivation is another important factor affecting the desire to ski. The motivation to ski can strengthen individuals' connection with nature. The satisfaction obtained while skiing increases individuals' commitment to nature and positively affects their mental and physical health [10, 20, 21, 22 ]. This motivation helps individuals to improve their environmental awareness by increasing their interactions with natüre [ 14 , 23 ]. Outdoor sports such as skiing have the potential to improve both the physical and mental health of individuals and therefore play an important role in strengthening connections with natüre [ 24 , 25 ]. The fact that skiing increases interaction with nature may also positively affect individuals' environmental behaviors. Studies show that increasing the connection with nature improves individuals' environmental behaviors [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Outdoor sports such as skiing can help individuals become more conscious about environmental protection by increasing their sensitivity to natüre [ 17 , 18 ]. In this context, skiing has the potential to contribute to environmental sustainability while strengthening individuals' relationships with nature [13, 14 ]. Therefore, efforts to reconnect with nature have a significant impact on individuals' mood, physical health, and overall quality of life. Skiing is a sport that reinforces individuals' attachment to nature by increasing their interaction with it. The concepts of flow state, experience, and motivation stand out as important elements that strengthen skiers' connection with nature. Therefore, promoting nature sports such as skiing can be considered an important strategy to improve individuals' mental and physical health and increase their environmental awareness [13, 14, 17, 18 ]. In line with this information, the study hypothesized a significant relationship and effect of the level of commitment to nature in skiers in terms of flow, experience, and motivation; within the framework of this hypothesis, answers were sought. H 1 : A significant relationship exists between commitment and nature, flow, experience, and motivation in skiers. H 2 : Flow, experience, and motivation have significant effects on the explanation of nature attachment in skiers. This study aims to deepen the relationship between skiers' flow, experience, and motivation and their attachment to nature. The interaction of skiing with nature has significant effects on participants' psychological states and environmental sensitivity. Flow experience is defined as a state in which individuals focus on skiing performance and live in the moment; this state, together with experience and motivation, may develop in parallel with their attachment to nature. In this context, better understanding skiers' sources of motivation and their love for the natural environment offers a valuable opportunity to explore the social and environmental impacts of sport. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between skiers' flow, experience, and motivation, and their attachment to nature. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Recreational and sports tourism The classification of recreation activities has been handled in various ways, and travel and tourism recreation is also included in this classification [ 32 ]. When evaluated within the context of travel and tourism, the concept of sports tourism emerges. Van Rheenen et al. [ 33 ], in their study on the definition of sports tourism, included multiple perspectives. Common elements in sport tourism definitions include sport as a motivation for travel, space, time, participant experience, and economic market. Sports tourism can include both summer and winter activities, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. Sports tourism is a way for individuals to showcase their talents and skills and challenge themselves. The categories of sports tourism include activities, attractions, tours, facilities, and trips. These classifications include skiing and snowboarding activities [ 34 ]. Sports tourism encompasses activities in which individuals interact with their landscape and natural surroundings. Gammon and Robinson [ 35 ] stated, by classifying sports and tourism in terms of the consumer, that sports tourism includes active and passive participation by traveling outside the familiar environment of the participants. In this classification, skiing activities are included in the mild definition section, and it is stated that they are active recreation participants. Skiing and snowboarding support environmental education [ 36 , 37 , 38 ] by offering a relaxing experience to individuals during the winter season [ 39 ]. In this case, individuals increase their commitment to nature by interacting with it [ 40 , 41 ]. Thus, participants create memories and experience the flow of the activity with the existing risk and adventure elements [ 42 ]. The flow experience can be defined as a holistic one. It is a psychological state, that the individual achieves by combining the skill and difficulty offered by the activity [ 43 ] Individuals are intertwined with nature, exhibiting their talents, and areas suitable for their skills allow them to have new experiences [ 44 ]. The Relationship between Nature and Skiers The relationship between individuals and nature constitutes an extremely rich dynamic with its environmental, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions [ 45 ]. While the unique beauties offered by nature provide individuals with unlimited fun and excitement, they also offer serenity, challenge, mystery, socialization, and adventure opportunities. In this context, natural environments create recreational opportunities for individuals to spend time, rest, engage in sports, and renew themselves [ 46 ]. Therefore, in skiing, which stands out among winter sports, the visual and emotional experiences offered by snow-covered landscapes are of great importance for skiers. This experience isn't limited to the act of skiing on the slopes; skiers can also gain a sense of psychological relaxation and connectedness through their passionate connection with nature. There are, however, many outside factors that affect this relationship. For example, the quality of the natural environment and the long-term effects of climate change on ski tourism are among these complex factors [ 47 , 48 ]. Therefore, the interaction between skiers and nature is of enormous importance for both individuals and communities. The desire to connect with nature often motivates skiers, who seek the beauty and tranquility of mountainous landscapes. Research shows that recreational skiers prefer uncrowded and scenic environments, which increase their overall experience and satisfaction [ 39 ]. Not only does this desire for a natural environment stem from aesthetics, but it also provides psychological benefits. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being, which are important motivations for individuals participating in winter sports [ 21 ]. The interaction between skiing and nature serves as a therapeutic escape from the stress of urban life and reinforces the importance of preserving these natural landscapes for future generations [ 18 ]. Skiers' motivations go beyond simply enjoying the sport; they often include a desire for adventure, social interaction, and personal achievement [ 49 ]. These motivations can influence destination choice; skiers seek destinations that offer not only quality skiing but also opportunities to interact with the natural environment [ 50 ]. Thus, the ski experience is not only about the physical act of descending the slopes but also about the emotional and social bonds formed in these natural environments [ 51 ]. Flow Experience in Skiers The experience of flow in skiing is a multifaceted phenomenon that significantly affects skiers' performance and emotional state. Flow, as defined by Csikszentmihalyi, refers to total immersion in an activity, leading to optimal performance and intrinsic enjoyment [ 52 ]. In the context of skiing, achieving flow can be influenced by a variety of factors, including self-efficacy, emotional states, and the challenges presented by the ski environment. Research suggests that self-efficacy, or belief in one's abilities, plays a crucial role in facilitating flow experiences among athletes, including skiers [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Sklett et al. [ 54 ] emphasize that higher self-efficacy is associated with enhanced flow experiences, which in turn positively affect performance. Therefore, this relationship may suggest that skiers who are confident in their abilities are more likely to enter a flow state, which may improve their overall skiing experience and performance outcomes. Emotional experiences during skiing also contribute to the flow state. Hetland et al. [ 57 ] found that skiers reported different emotional states during their activity, with levels of happiness decreasing when skiing compared to when taking a break. This result was in line with flow theory, which suggests that intense focus on the task at hand can sometimes overshadow feelings of happiness, as skiers are deeply connected to the moment. Furthermore, emotional challenges encountered during skiing, such as managing fear and excitement, may further influence the likelihood of achieving flow. The interaction between difficulty and skill is another important aspect of flow in skiing. Skiers often look for runs that match their skill level and have the appropriate level of difficulty required to enter the flow state. Research by Dinç and Demircan [ 58 ] shows that thrill-seeking skiers are more likely to reach peak performance when the difficulty of the ski slopes is in line with their expectations of excitement and challenge. This balance between difficulty and skill is vital for maintaining engagement and satisfaction during skiing. Overall, the experience of flow in skiing is shaped by self-efficacy, emotional states, and challenge-skill balance. Understanding these factors can help skiers optimize their experience on the slopes, which can lead to improved performance and greater enjoyment of the sport. Experience and Motivation in Skiers Various psychological, social, and environmental factors influence the multidimensional concept of skiers' experience and motivation. Research has shown that ski motivation is multidimensional and encompasses elements such as escape, social recognition, enjoyment of nature, excitement/risk, socialization, skill development, and achievement [ 39 ]. These motivational factors can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions, both of which have significant associations with the intention to continue skiing [ 59 ]. Therefore, it has been shown that skiers' motivation can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic factors, that significantly influence their overall skiing experience and level of participation. Intrinsic motivation, characterized by enjoyment and satisfaction with the activity itself, plays a crucial role in skiing. Skiers often seek personal challenges, mastery, and the excitement associated with skiing, which is in line with findings emphasizing the importance of autonomy and personal development in sport participation [ 51 , 60 ]. This intrinsic drive is also supported by the concept of 'flow,' where skiers experience a state of complete immersion in their activity, which leads to greater enjoyment and performance [ 54 , 61 ]. Furthermore, studies show that the sense of accomplishment and stress relief associated with skiing contribute significantly to the positive emotional outcomes experienced by skiers [ 51 , 62 ]. Furthermore, extrinsic motivations include social influences and the desire for recognition or reward. The role of social interactions in skiing is important because skiers often engage in the sport in community settings, which enhances their overall experience [ 63 , 64 ]. The presence of social networks and shared experiences among skiers can lead to increased motivation to participate and improve skills, as skiers often seek approval and camaraderie from their peers [ 50 , 65 ]. The influence of ski influencers and marketing strategies can shape skiers' perceptions and skiing intentions, highlighting the interplay between social dynamics and individual motivations [ 66 , 68 ]. It shows that perceived ski motivation and emotional engagement, often reinforced by social media interactions, are positively related to the perceived value of ski experiences [ 66 ]. Social perceptions and the desire for shared experiences in the digital age increasingly influence the motivations of modern skiers. Furthermore, skiers' psychological motivations include the need for active vacations, health benefits, and the thrill of achievement, while social motivations often revolve around the enjoyment of shared experiences with friends and family [ 50 ]. Alexandris et al. [ 67 ] explain that constraints such as financial limitations or time availability can significantly affect skiers' intentions to continue with the sport, demonstrating that motivation is not only about desire but also about overcoming barriers. We cannot ignore the influence of past experiences on current motivations. Hibner's [ 62 ] study on Tatra ski resorts shows that individual psychological processes influenced by past experiences play a crucial role in determining skier motivations. Understanding skiers' experiences and motivations is crucial for ski resort managers and marketers, especially given the high dropout rates among recreational skiers [ 69 ]. Research results show that previous skiing experiences, whether positive or negative, significantly influence skiers' future levels of engagement and motivation [ 70 , 71 ]. Thus, negative experiences such as injuries or poor performance can lead to decreased self-efficacy and motivation, whereas positive experiences can increase confidence and encourage continued participation [ 72 , 73 ]. Furthermore, psychological processes related to skiing, such as managing fear and anxiety, are crucial in shaping skiers' motivation and experiences [ 74 , 75 ]. Research suggests that ski motivations are often driven by the desire to socialize, relieve stress, and pursue hedonistic experiences, which are closely linked to the overall ski experience [ 51 , 63 ]. McLeay et al. [ 63 ] emphasize that themes such as socialization and location significantly influence skier motivations, suggesting that social aspects of skiing, such as shared experiences in chalets, increase overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the activity. Sun et al. [ 51 ] also emphasize that tangible and interpersonal experiences during skiing contribute to positive emotions and personal growth, reinforcing the idea that skiing provides an environment for both personal growth and social interaction. Analyzing the combination of past experiences and present motivations reveals an interactive connection where past skiing experiences may make people more or less likely to ski again, depending on how much they enjoyed and were satisfied with those experiences. Methods Participants The study was designed in the survey model, which is a quantitative research method, using the online data collection technique. 123 volunteer participants, 90 males and 33 females, with an average age of 34.82 ± 7.76, skiing and snowboarding in Türkiye Sarikamis-Kars and Uludag-Bursa ski resorts, were included in the study. Data collection tools It consists of questions created by the researchers to obtain information about the demographic variables of the participants. Recreational Flow Experience Scale (Flow) : The recreational flow experience scale developed by Ayhan et al. [ 76 ] was used to determine the flow experience of participants in recreational activities. The scale, which is considered to be a one-dimensional structure, consists of nine items, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for this study was calculated to be .855. Connectedness to the Nature Scale : The Attachment to Nature scale developed by Mayer and Frantz [ 38 ] was used to determine participants’ emotional and experiential attachment to nature. The scale, which consists of a two-dimensional structure, was considered as a single dimension in the study, and the reliability coefficient was determined to be .916. Motivation scale (Motivation) : The motivation scale, developed by Luo and Deng (2008) and adapted into Turkish by İşçi [ 77 ], was used. Cronbach’s alpha value of the pre-test (11 statements) was determined as .971. Experience-Personal Development and Renewal scale : The scale developed by Arnould and Price (1996) to determine the camping experience was modified by Triantafillidou and Siomkos (2013) and adapted to Turkish by İşçi [ 77 ]. The reliability coefficient of the one-dimensional scale consisting of 5 questions was determined to be .895. Data analysis For data analysis, SPSS version 22.0, a statistical package program, was used. In the research, it was determined by hierarchical regression analysis whether flow experience predicted attachment to nature (the dependent variable) together with the levels of experience and motivation (independent variables). In addition, before the hierarchical regression analysis, correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variables. In this study, the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Table 1 Descriptive statistics analysis results of demographic variables Variables Category Mean ± SS / % Age 34.82 ± 7.76 Income 14.080.76 ± 11.926.18 Educational High school %5,7 (n = 7) Undergraduate/Associate Degree %64,2 (n = 79 Postgraduate %30,1 (n = 37) Year of dealing with the ski branch 1–3 years %22,8 (n = 28) 3–5 years %22,8 (n = 28) 5 years and above %54,5 (n = 67) Branch type Ski %39,8 (n = 49) Snowboarding %60,2 (n = 74) Frequency of attendance (per year) 1–3 time %26 (n = 32) 3–5 times %24 (n = 30) 5 times and above %50 (n = 61) In our study, we included descriptive statistical analyses of the demographic variables of the participants. Participants have an average age of 35 years and have an average income of 14 thousand Turkish lira. 6% of the participants have a high school education, 64% have undergraduate/associate degrees, and 30% have postgraduate education. 23% of them stated that they have been skiing for 1 to 3 years, 23% for 3 to 5 years, and 54% for more than 5 years. Additionally, 40% of them were skiing and 60% were snowboarding. When the frequency of participation was evaluated, those who participated in the study five times or more constituted 50% of those included in the study, and the remaining 26% stated that they participated once or twice, and 24% stated that they participated three or four times (Table 1 ). Table 2 Correlation analysis results for the loyalty to nature, flow, experience, and motivation scales Variables x̄ ss 1 2 3 4 1. Connectedness to Nature 4,35 ,732 1 ,381* ,564* ,538* 2. Flow 6,61 ,522 ,340* ,400* 3. Experience 4,60 ,558 ,530* 4. Motivation 4,62 ,398 1 Pearson product moment correlation analysis was performed before hierarchical regression analysis to determine the relationships between the total scores of the participants who were interested in skiing and snowboarding on the scales included in the research. As a result of this analysis, it was determined that the scales were in a positive linear relationship with each other ( p < 0.001) (Table 2 ). Table 3 Hierarchical regression analysis results of the flow, experience, and motivation scales of the nature commitment scale Model Variables R R 2 Adj. R 2 B Std Error 𝛽 F 1 ,381 ,145 ,138 20,557 Flow ,534 ,118 ,381* 2 ,598 ,358 ,347 33,487 Flow ,300 ,109 ,214* Experience ,643 ,102 ,491* 3 ,643 ,414 ,399 27,981 Flow ,200 ,109 ,142* Experience ,475 ,110 ,362* Motivation ,531 ,158 ,289* *p < 0,001 1 < VIF < 2 Durbin-Watson = 1,957 To investigate the attachment to nature, which is the main subject of the study, the ski branch, in which individuals are intertwined with nature, was preferred, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine how the flow, experience, and motivation of the participants while performing the branch affected this commitment (Table 3 ). In the hierarchical regression analysis, the flow experiences of the individuals were handled in the first step of the model, and it was observed that the flow experience alone could explain 15% (𝛽 Flow = .381; p < 0.001), of the commitment to nature. In the second step of the model, experience was added to the model alongside the level of flow experience, and it was seen that both explained 36% (𝛽 Flow = .214; 𝛽 Experience = .491; p < 0.001). In the last stage of the model, motivation levels were added, and it was determined the extent to which the three scales together included in the study affected the commitment to nature. In the last stage of the model, it was determined that all the included scales explained 64% (𝛽 Flow = .142, 𝛽 Experience = .362, 𝛽 Motivation = .289; p < 0.001). When the result of the analysis is examined, it is shown how important it is to consider the flow experience and motivation, together in skiing or snowboarding activities of the individual. The more the individuals experience the activity, the more their commitment to nature will be affected by the increased engagement (Table 3 ). Discussion In this study, the relationship between the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of recreationists participating in nature-based ski/snowboard tourism was examined. The data obtained in this study support the research hypotheses H 1 and H 2 . It has been observed that for ski/snowboard recreationists, their experience, motivation levels, and being in flow are important factors in their commitment to nature. Recent studies have stated that adventure recreation, which is a nature-based recreation activity, has unique qualities in terms of flow [ 78 , 79 ]. The existing revitalizing and renewing effect of nature creates a social space [ 80 ] where participants increase the flow intensity [ 81 ] and eye-catching routes facilitate the flow and experience [ 82 ]. Although the individual is having a boring experience, he can turn this experience into enjoyable experiences by organizing it to match his level of challenge [ 83 ]. The mountain skiing eco-tourist flow experience has significant positive impacts on emotions, which further positively influence tourist loyalty [ 84 ]. The H 1 and H 2 hypotheses were accepted, and it was concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between them. When the results of the analysis are examined, they show how important it is to consider the individual’s flow experience and motivation together, in the ski and snowboard branches. The results imply that asindividuals experience greatereffectiveness, their commitment to nature will be increasingly affected by this experience. When the results are evaluated, it can be said that the individual experiences high levels of flow and motivation in an activity she/he performs in nature. When nature-based studies were examined, the observed results revealed a strong relationship between flow, experience, and motivation [ 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 ]. In their study, Zhao and Park [ 89 ] showed that the destination, being an important precursor of the experience, plays a crucial role in increasing participants' satisfaction. Nisbet et al. [ 90 ] found that openness to experience is related to connectedness to nature. Similarly, Mayer et al. [ 91 ] stated that attention capacity is related to connectedness to nature. In this regard, skiing experience and motivation are important recreational activities to revitalize the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Direct experiences in natural environments appear to have profound emotional effects on people [ 92 ], and a stronger attachment to nature can lead to a greater interest in protecting the environment [ 93 ]. According to flow theory, the quality of the adventure depends on the relationship between the level of difficulty and the recreation participant's abilities, skills, and knowledge [ 83 ]. When the hierarchical regression analysis was examined, a statistically significant increase was observed due to the step-by-step addition of the scales used to explain the level of commitment to nature. While the model's prediction of commitment to nature based on flow alone was low, with the addition of experience, it increased to a medium level, and the subsequent addition of motivation further supported this outcome. As in other studies examined in the literature, these variables were found to be critical in terms of connectedness to nature [ 42 , 77 , 81 , 94 ]. Vroegop [ 95 ] examined the commitment to nature of individuals who experienced winter camping and found that the experience positively increased their commitment to nature. As a result, although technological developments are increasingly popular today, they can also affect the socialization of individuals and the realization of nature-related activities. As industrialization increases, an increasing number of individuals seek escape in natüre [ 92 , 96 , 97 ]. The sense of renewal and refreshment that individuals need, which is also one of the goals of recreation, becomes an even greater desire with these developments [ 90 , 91 ]. Conclusions This study of recreationists provides results that support previous studies. Once again, the results show that nature-based activities allow individuals to experience flow and thus increase their engagement with nature. Commitment to nature supports the motivation and experience of the individual and provides a flow experience appropriate to their ability and skill level, increasing the individual's inner peace and happiness. In this way, a person can live a healthier and more balanced life by strengthening his bond with nature. sustainable tourism protects natural and cultural riches, provides economic and social benefits, meets the needs of local people, and most importantly, is future-oriented. Mountains are an important factor in sustainable economic development and environmental protection, and offer incredible opportunities. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate All procedures conducted in this study with human participants adhered to the ethical guidelines set by the Department of Psychology, the University of Hong Kong, as well as the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its subsequent revisions or similar ethical provisions. The study was approved by the Hitit University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (number: 2023/302, date: 01/11/2023). An informed consent form was obtained from all participants in the study. Consent for publication Not Applicable. Availability of data and materials The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request . Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Authors' contributions HA: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation. GY: Formal analysis, Writing - Review & Editing, Methodology. OY: Term, Investigation, Writing - Review & Editing. ÖA: Investigation, Resources. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the researchers who voluntarily participated in the research. Authors' information Hakan AKDENİZ (corresponding author) - Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Recreation, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-1821 Gül YAĞAR - Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Coaching, Hitit University, Corum, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3919-3212 Ozan YILMAZ - Independent researcher, Kocaeli, Türkiye,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5889-7365 Özlem ALTUNÖZ - Faculty of Tourism, Department of Recreation Management, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Ankara, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6593-8364 References Özyurt Ökten SS. Kent parklarının biyofilik tasarım kriterlerine göre yenilenmesi: İskenderun Millet Parkı örneği. Kent Akademisi. 2022;15(1):1-18. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.984157 Štreimikienė D. Natural and built environments and quality of life in EU member states. J Int Stud. 2014;7(3):9-19. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-8330.2014/7-3/1 Lee S, Manthiou A, Chiang L, Tang L. 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The challenges of modern life have reduced individuals' interactions with nature, which have negative effects on mental and physical health. Today, urbanization and technological developments weaken individuals' ties with nature, leading to various psychological and physical problems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. However, many studies in the literature reveal the positive effects of the natural resources on human health. Individuals' interaction with nature reduces stress levels and improves quality of life [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. It also shows that interaction with nature has positive effects on individuals' life satisfaction. It was determined that the life satisfaction of individuals who engaged in nature sports was higher than the life satisfaction of individuals who did not [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSkiing, as a nature-based sport, fosters a distinctive engagement between individuals and their surroundings, which can markedly improve both mental and physical well-being. Skiing offers an intense physical workout while allowing skiers to engage with the tranquil beauty of natural settings, cultivating a profound connection with the environment. This connection is advantageous since it enhances an individual's bond with nature, which has been demonstrated to improve overall well-being and mental health outcomes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Skiing is an activity that enhances individuals' engagement with nature and reinforces their connection to it. Simultaneously, it can beneficially influence people's mental and physical well-being by offering both physical exercise and the chance to engage with nat\u0026uuml;re [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. This enhances individuals' affinity for nature and bolsters conservation initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe concepts of flow state, experience, and motivation are important elements that strengthen skiers' connection with nature. A flow state is one in which individuals are completely immersed in an activity and do not realize how time passes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Activities that interact with nature, like skiing, are more prone to experiencing disruptions or changes in environmental conditions. During skiing, individuals can enjoy the natural beauty while developing their skills to cope with physical challenges. This process strengthens individuals' ties with nature and positively affects their mental and physical health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperience is another important factor that reinforces skiers' connection with nature. Experiences while skiing can deepen individuals' relationships with nature. Challenges and successes encountered during skiing can increase individuals' self-confidence and create a sense of attachment to nature. In this context, skiing experience can be considered a tool that increases individuals' attachment to nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, outdoor sports such as skiing increase individuals' interactions with nature and improve their environmental awareness [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMotivation is another important factor affecting the desire to ski. The motivation to ski can strengthen individuals' connection with nature. The satisfaction obtained while skiing increases individuals' commitment to nature and positively affects their mental and physical health [10, 20, 21, 22 ]. This motivation helps individuals to improve their environmental awareness by increasing their interactions with nat\u0026uuml;re [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Outdoor sports such as skiing have the potential to improve both the physical and mental health of individuals and therefore play an important role in strengthening connections with nat\u0026uuml;re [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fact that skiing increases interaction with nature may also positively affect individuals' environmental behaviors. Studies show that increasing the connection with nature improves individuals' environmental behaviors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. Outdoor sports such as skiing can help individuals become more conscious about environmental protection by increasing their sensitivity to nat\u0026uuml;re [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. In this context, skiing has the potential to contribute to environmental sustainability while strengthening individuals' relationships with nature [13, 14 ].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, efforts to reconnect with nature have a significant impact on individuals' mood, physical health, and overall quality of life. Skiing is a sport that reinforces individuals' attachment to nature by increasing their interaction with it. The concepts of flow state, experience, and motivation stand out as important elements that strengthen skiers' connection with nature. Therefore, promoting nature sports such as skiing can be considered an important strategy to improve individuals' mental and physical health and increase their environmental awareness [13, 14, 17, 18 ]. In line with this information, the study hypothesized a significant relationship and effect of the level of commitment to nature in skiers in terms of flow, experience, and motivation; within the framework of this hypothesis, answers were sought.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: A significant relationship exists between commitment and nature, flow, experience, and motivation in skiers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: Flow, experience, and motivation have significant effects on the explanation of nature attachment in skiers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aims to deepen the relationship between skiers' flow, experience, and motivation and their attachment to nature. The interaction of skiing with nature has significant effects on participants' psychological states and environmental sensitivity. Flow experience is defined as a state in which individuals focus on skiing performance and live in the moment; this state, together with experience and motivation, may develop in parallel with their attachment to nature. In this context, better understanding skiers' sources of motivation and their love for the natural environment offers a valuable opportunity to explore the social and environmental impacts of sport. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between skiers' flow, experience, and motivation, and their attachment to nature.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecreational and sports tourism\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe classification of recreation activities has been handled in various ways, and travel and tourism recreation is also included in this classification [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. When evaluated within the context of travel and tourism, the concept of sports tourism emerges. Van Rheenen et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e], in their study on the definition of sports tourism, included multiple perspectives. Common elements in sport tourism definitions include sport as a motivation for travel, space, time, participant experience, and economic market. Sports tourism can include both summer and winter activities, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. Sports tourism is a way for individuals to showcase their talents and skills and challenge themselves. The categories of sports tourism include activities, attractions, tours, facilities, and trips. These classifications include skiing and snowboarding activities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSports tourism encompasses activities in which individuals interact with their landscape and natural surroundings. Gammon and Robinson [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] stated, by classifying sports and tourism in terms of the consumer, that sports tourism includes active and passive participation by traveling outside the familiar environment of the participants. In this classification, skiing activities are included in the mild definition section, and it is stated that they are active recreation participants. Skiing and snowboarding support environmental education [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] by offering a relaxing experience to individuals during the winter season [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. In this case, individuals increase their commitment to nature by interacting with it [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. Thus, participants create memories and experience the flow of the activity with the existing risk and adventure elements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. The flow experience can be defined as a holistic one. It is a psychological state, that the individual achieves by combining the skill and difficulty offered by the activity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e] Individuals are intertwined with nature, exhibiting their talents, and areas suitable for their skills allow them to have new experiences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Relationship between Nature and Skiers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relationship between individuals and nature constitutes an extremely rich dynamic with its environmental, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e]. While the unique beauties offered by nature provide individuals with unlimited fun and excitement, they also offer serenity, challenge, mystery, socialization, and adventure opportunities. In this context, natural environments create recreational opportunities for individuals to spend time, rest, engage in sports, and renew themselves [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, in skiing, which stands out among winter sports, the visual and emotional experiences offered by snow-covered landscapes are of great importance for skiers. This experience isn't limited to the act of skiing on the slopes; skiers can also gain a sense of psychological relaxation and connectedness through their passionate connection with nature. There are, however, many outside factors that affect this relationship. For example, the quality of the natural environment and the long-term effects of climate change on ski tourism are among these complex factors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the interaction between skiers and nature is of enormous importance for both individuals and communities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe desire to connect with nature often motivates skiers, who seek the beauty and tranquility of mountainous landscapes. Research shows that recreational skiers prefer uncrowded and scenic environments, which increase their overall experience and satisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. Not only does this desire for a natural environment stem from aesthetics, but it also provides psychological benefits. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being, which are important motivations for individuals participating in winter sports [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. The interaction between skiing and nature serves as a therapeutic escape from the stress of urban life and reinforces the importance of preserving these natural landscapes for future generations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSkiers' motivations go beyond simply enjoying the sport; they often include a desire for adventure, social interaction, and personal achievement [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e]. These motivations can influence destination choice; skiers seek destinations that offer not only quality skiing but also opportunities to interact with the natural environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e]. Thus, the ski experience is not only about the physical act of descending the slopes but also about the emotional and social bonds formed in these natural environments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlow Experience in Skiers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe experience of flow in skiing is a multifaceted phenomenon that significantly affects skiers' performance and emotional state. Flow, as defined by Csikszentmihalyi, refers to total immersion in an activity, leading to optimal performance and intrinsic enjoyment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e]. In the context of skiing, achieving flow can be influenced by a variety of factors, including self-efficacy, emotional states, and the challenges presented by the ski environment. Research suggests that self-efficacy, or belief in one's abilities, plays a crucial role in facilitating flow experiences among athletes, including skiers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e]. Sklett et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e] emphasize that higher self-efficacy is associated with enhanced flow experiences, which in turn positively affect performance. Therefore, this relationship may suggest that skiers who are confident in their abilities are more likely to enter a flow state, which may improve their overall skiing experience and performance outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmotional experiences during skiing also contribute to the flow state. Hetland et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e] found that skiers reported different emotional states during their activity, with levels of happiness decreasing when skiing compared to when taking a break. This result was in line with flow theory, which suggests that intense focus on the task at hand can sometimes overshadow feelings of happiness, as skiers are deeply connected to the moment. Furthermore, emotional challenges encountered during skiing, such as managing fear and excitement, may further influence the likelihood of achieving flow.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe interaction between difficulty and skill is another important aspect of flow in skiing. Skiers often look for runs that match their skill level and have the appropriate level of difficulty required to enter the flow state. Research by Din\u0026ccedil; and Demircan [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e] shows that thrill-seeking skiers are more likely to reach peak performance when the difficulty of the ski slopes is in line with their expectations of excitement and challenge. This balance between difficulty and skill is vital for maintaining engagement and satisfaction during skiing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the experience of flow in skiing is shaped by self-efficacy, emotional states, and challenge-skill balance. Understanding these factors can help skiers optimize their experience on the slopes, which can lead to improved performance and greater enjoyment of the sport.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperience and Motivation in Skiers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious psychological, social, and environmental factors influence the multidimensional concept of skiers' experience and motivation. Research has shown that ski motivation is multidimensional and encompasses elements such as escape, social recognition, enjoyment of nature, excitement/risk, socialization, skill development, and achievement [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. These motivational factors can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions, both of which have significant associations with the intention to continue skiing [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, it has been shown that skiers' motivation can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic factors, that significantly influence their overall skiing experience and level of participation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntrinsic motivation, characterized by enjoyment and satisfaction with the activity itself, plays a crucial role in skiing. Skiers often seek personal challenges, mastery, and the excitement associated with skiing, which is in line with findings emphasizing the importance of autonomy and personal development in sport participation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e]. This intrinsic drive is also supported by the concept of 'flow,' where skiers experience a state of complete immersion in their activity, which leads to greater enjoyment and performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, studies show that the sense of accomplishment and stress relief associated with skiing contribute significantly to the positive emotional outcomes experienced by skiers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, extrinsic motivations include social influences and the desire for recognition or reward. The role of social interactions in skiing is important because skiers often engage in the sport in community settings, which enhances their overall experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e]. The presence of social networks and shared experiences among skiers can lead to increased motivation to participate and improve skills, as skiers often seek approval and camaraderie from their peers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e65\u003c/span\u003e]. The influence of ski influencers and marketing strategies can shape skiers' perceptions and skiing intentions, highlighting the interplay between social dynamics and individual motivations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e68\u003c/span\u003e]. It shows that perceived ski motivation and emotional engagement, often reinforced by social media interactions, are positively related to the perceived value of ski experiences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e]. Social perceptions and the desire for shared experiences in the digital age increasingly influence the motivations of modern skiers. Furthermore, skiers' psychological motivations include the need for active vacations, health benefits, and the thrill of achievement, while social motivations often revolve around the enjoyment of shared experiences with friends and family [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e]. Alexandris et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e67\u003c/span\u003e] explain that constraints such as financial limitations or time availability can significantly affect skiers' intentions to continue with the sport, demonstrating that motivation is not only about desire but also about overcoming barriers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe cannot ignore the influence of past experiences on current motivations. Hibner's [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e] study on Tatra ski resorts shows that individual psychological processes influenced by past experiences play a crucial role in determining skier motivations. Understanding skiers' experiences and motivations is crucial for ski resort managers and marketers, especially given the high dropout rates among recreational skiers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e]. Research results show that previous skiing experiences, whether positive or negative, significantly influence skiers' future levels of engagement and motivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e70\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e71\u003c/span\u003e]. Thus, negative experiences such as injuries or poor performance can lead to decreased self-efficacy and motivation, whereas positive experiences can increase confidence and encourage continued participation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, psychological processes related to skiing, such as managing fear and anxiety, are crucial in shaping skiers' motivation and experiences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e75\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearch suggests that ski motivations are often driven by the desire to socialize, relieve stress, and pursue hedonistic experiences, which are closely linked to the overall ski experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e]. McLeay et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e] emphasize that themes such as socialization and location significantly influence skier motivations, suggesting that social aspects of skiing, such as shared experiences in chalets, increase overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the activity. Sun et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e] also emphasize that tangible and interpersonal experiences during skiing contribute to positive emotions and personal growth, reinforcing the idea that skiing provides an environment for both personal growth and social interaction. Analyzing the combination of past experiences and present motivations reveals an interactive connection where past skiing experiences may make people more or less likely to ski again, depending on how much they enjoyed and were satisfied with those experiences.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study was designed in the survey model, which is a quantitative research method, using the online data collection technique. 123 volunteer participants, 90 males and 33 females, with an average age of 34.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.76, skiing and snowboarding in T\u0026uuml;rkiye Sarikamis-Kars and Uludag-Bursa ski resorts, were included in the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection tools\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt consists of questions created by the researchers to obtain information about the demographic variables of the participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eRecreational Flow Experience Scale (Flow)\u003c/em\u003e: The recreational flow experience scale developed by Ayhan et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e76\u003c/span\u003e] was used to determine the flow experience of participants in recreational activities. The scale, which is considered to be a one-dimensional structure, consists of nine items, and the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha coefficient for this study was calculated to be .855.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eConnectedness to the Nature Scale\u003c/em\u003e: The Attachment to Nature scale developed by Mayer and Frantz [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] was used to determine participants\u0026rsquo; emotional and experiential attachment to nature. The scale, which consists of a two-dimensional structure, was considered as a single dimension in the study, and the reliability coefficient was determined to be .916.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMotivation scale (Motivation)\u003c/em\u003e: The motivation scale, developed by Luo and Deng (2008) and adapted into Turkish by İş\u0026ccedil;i [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e], was used. Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha value of the pre-test (11 statements) was determined as .971.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eExperience-Personal Development and Renewal scale\u003c/em\u003e: The scale developed by Arnould and Price (1996) to determine the camping experience was modified by Triantafillidou and Siomkos (2013) and adapted to Turkish by İş\u0026ccedil;i [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e]. The reliability coefficient of the one-dimensional scale consisting of 5 questions was determined to be .895.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor data analysis, SPSS version 22.0, a statistical package program, was used. In the research, it was determined by hierarchical regression analysis whether flow experience predicted attachment to nature (the dependent variable) together with the levels of experience and motivation (independent variables). In addition, before the hierarchical regression analysis, correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variables. In this study, the level of significance was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics analysis results of demographic variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SS / %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncome\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.080.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.926.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducational\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh school\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%5,7 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUndergraduate/Associate Degree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%64,2 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePostgraduate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%30,1 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYear of dealing with the ski branch\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;3 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%22,8 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;28)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;5 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%22,8 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;28)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 years and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%54,5 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBranch type\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSki\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%39,8 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;49)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSnowboarding\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%60,2 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;74)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of attendance (per year)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;3 time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%26 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;5 times\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%24 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;30)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 times and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%50 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;61)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn our study, we included descriptive statistical analyses of the demographic variables of the participants. Participants have an average age of 35 years and have an average income of 14 thousand Turkish lira. 6% of the participants have a high school education, 64% have undergraduate/associate degrees, and 30% have postgraduate education. 23% of them stated that they have been skiing for 1 to 3 years, 23% for 3 to 5 years, and 54% for more than 5 years. Additionally, 40% of them were skiing and 60% were snowboarding. When the frequency of participation was evaluated, those who participated in the study five times or more constituted 50% of those included in the study, and the remaining 26% stated that they participated once or twice, and 24% stated that they participated three or four times (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation analysis results for the loyalty to nature, flow, experience, and motivation scales\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ex̄\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ess\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1. Connectedness to Nature\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4,35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,732\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,381*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,564*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,538*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2. Flow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6,61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,522\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,340*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,400*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3. Experience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4,60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,558\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,530*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4. Motivation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4,62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,398\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePearson product moment correlation analysis was performed before hierarchical regression analysis to determine the relationships between the total scores of the participants who were interested in skiing and snowboarding on the scales included in the research. As a result of this analysis, it was determined that the scales were in a positive linear relationship with each other (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHierarchical regression analysis results of the flow, experience, and motivation scales of the nature commitment scale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAdj. R\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStd Error\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026#120573;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,381\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,145\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20,557\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,534\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,381*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,598\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,358\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,347\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33,487\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,214*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,643\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,102\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,491*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,643\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,414\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,399\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27,981\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlow\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,142*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperience\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,475\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,362*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMotivation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,531\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,158\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e,289*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0,001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;VIF\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDurbin-Watson\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1,957\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo investigate the attachment to nature, which is the main subject of the study, the ski branch, in which individuals are intertwined with nature, was preferred, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine how the flow, experience, and motivation of the participants while performing the branch affected this commitment (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). In the hierarchical regression analysis, the flow experiences of the individuals were handled in the first step of the model, and it was observed that the flow experience alone could explain 15% (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e= .381; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), of the commitment to nature. In the second step of the model, experience was added to the model alongside the level of flow experience, and it was seen that both explained 36% (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e= .214; \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eExperience\u003c/sub\u003e= .491; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). In the last stage of the model, motivation levels were added, and it was determined the extent to which the three scales together included in the study affected the commitment to nature. In the last stage of the model, it was determined that all the included scales explained 64% (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.142, \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eExperience\u003c/sub\u003e= .362, \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eMotivation\u003c/sub\u003e= .289; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). When the result of the analysis is examined, it is shown how important it is to consider the flow experience and motivation, together in skiing or snowboarding activities of the individual. The more the individuals experience the activity, the more their commitment to nature will be affected by the increased engagement (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the relationship between the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of recreationists participating in nature-based ski/snowboard tourism was examined. The data obtained in this study support the research hypotheses H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. It has been observed that for ski/snowboard recreationists, their experience, motivation levels, and being in flow are important factors in their commitment to nature. Recent studies have stated that adventure recreation, which is a nature-based recreation activity, has unique qualities in terms of flow [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e79\u003c/span\u003e]. The existing revitalizing and renewing effect of nature creates a social space [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e] where participants increase the flow intensity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e] and eye-catching routes facilitate the flow and experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e82\u003c/span\u003e]. Although the individual is having a boring experience, he can turn this experience into enjoyable experiences by organizing it to match his level of challenge [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e83\u003c/span\u003e]. The mountain skiing eco-tourist flow experience has significant positive impacts on emotions, which further positively influence tourist loyalty [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR84\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e84\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e hypotheses were accepted, and it was concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between them. When the results of the analysis are examined, they show how important it is to consider the individual\u0026rsquo;s flow experience and motivation together, in the ski and snowboard branches. The results imply that asindividuals experience greatereffectiveness, their commitment to nature will be increasingly affected by this experience. When the results are evaluated, it can be said that the individual experiences high levels of flow and motivation in an activity she/he performs in nature.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen nature-based studies were examined, the observed results revealed a strong relationship between flow, experience, and motivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR85\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e85\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR86\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e86\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR87\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e87\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR88\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e88\u003c/span\u003e]. In their study, Zhao and Park [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR89\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e89\u003c/span\u003e] showed that the destination, being an important precursor of the experience, plays a crucial role in increasing participants' satisfaction. Nisbet et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR90\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e90\u003c/span\u003e] found that openness to experience is related to connectedness to nature. Similarly, Mayer et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR91\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e91\u003c/span\u003e] stated that attention capacity is related to connectedness to nature. In this regard, skiing experience and motivation are important recreational activities to revitalize the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Direct experiences in natural environments appear to have profound emotional effects on people [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR92\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e92\u003c/span\u003e], and a stronger attachment to nature can lead to a greater interest in protecting the environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR93\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e93\u003c/span\u003e]. According to flow theory, the quality of the adventure depends on the relationship between the level of difficulty and the recreation participant's abilities, skills, and knowledge [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e83\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen the hierarchical regression analysis was examined, a statistically significant increase was observed due to the step-by-step addition of the scales used to explain the level of commitment to nature. While the model's prediction of commitment to nature based on flow alone was low, with the addition of experience, it increased to a medium level, and the subsequent addition of motivation further supported this outcome. As in other studies examined in the literature, these variables were found to be critical in terms of connectedness to nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR94\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e94\u003c/span\u003e]. Vroegop [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR95\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e95\u003c/span\u003e] examined the commitment to nature of individuals who experienced winter camping and found that the experience positively increased their commitment to nature. As a result, although technological developments are increasingly popular today, they can also affect the socialization of individuals and the realization of nature-related activities. As industrialization increases, an increasing number of individuals seek escape in nat\u0026uuml;re [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR92\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e92\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR96\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e96\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR97\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e97\u003c/span\u003e]. The sense of renewal and refreshment that individuals need, which is also one of the goals of recreation, becomes an even greater desire with these developments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR90\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e90\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR91\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e91\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study of recreationists provides results that support previous studies. Once again, the results show that nature-based activities allow individuals to experience flow and thus increase their engagement with nature. Commitment to nature supports the motivation and experience of the individual and provides a flow experience appropriate to their ability and skill level, increasing the individual's inner peace and happiness. In this way, a person can live a healthier and more balanced life by strengthening his bond with nature. sustainable tourism protects natural and cultural riches, provides economic and social benefits, meets the needs of local people, and most importantly, is future-oriented. Mountains are an important factor in sustainable economic development and environmental protection, and offer incredible opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e All procedures conducted in this study with human participants adhered to the ethical guidelines set by the Department of Psychology, the University of Hong Kong, as well as the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its subsequent revisions or similar ethical provisions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was approved by the Hitit University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (number: 2023/302, date: 01/11/2023). An informed consent form was obtained from all participants in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request\u003cstrong\u003e.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors' contributions\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHA: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGY: Formal analysis, Writing - Review \u0026amp; Editing, Methodology.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOY: Term, Investigation, Writing - Review \u0026amp; Editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÖA: Investigation,\u0026nbsp;Resources.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would like to thank the researchers who voluntarily participated in the research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors' information\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHakan AKDENİZ (corresponding author) - Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Recreation, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-1821\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGül YAĞAR - Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Coaching, Hitit University, Corum, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3919-3212\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOzan YILMAZ - Independent researcher, Kocaeli, Türkiye,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5889-7365\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eÖzlem ALTUNÖZ - Faculty of Tourism, Department of Recreation Management, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Ankara, Türkiye, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6593-8364\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u0026Ouml;zyurt \u0026Ouml;kten SS. 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Measuring love and care for nature. J Environ Psychol. 2010;30(4):455-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.05.004\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChhetri P, Arrowsmith C, Jackson M. Determining hiking experiences in nature-based tourist destinations. Tour Manag. 2004;25(1):31-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(03)00057-8\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVroegop J. Nature connectedness \u0026amp; winter camping: a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Department of Culture and Communication, National Centre for Outdoor Education, Link\u0026ouml;ping University; 2015.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKahn PH Jr, Severson RL, Ruckert JH. The human relation with nature and technological nature. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2009;18(1):37-42. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01602.x\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMelson GF. Why the wild things are: animals in the lives of children. Harvard University Press; 2005.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Nature-Based Tourism, Winter Sports, Connectedness to Nature, Flow, Experience, Motivation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6165402/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6165402/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBackground\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScientific studies on the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of recreationists participating in winter sports (ski/snowboard) tourism are limited. This study examines the relationship among the motivations, experiences, and commitment to nature of nature-based tourist recreationists.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethods\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 123 volunteer participants, 90 males and 33 females, with an average age of 34.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.76 skiing and snowboarding in T\u0026uuml;rkiye were included in the study. For data analysis, SPSS a statistical package program, was used. The hierarchical regression analysis and correlation analysis was performed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResults\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was determined that the scales were in a positive linear relationship with each other (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Individuals\u0026rsquo; flow experiences were taken into account, and 15% of the flow experience\u0026rsquo;s commitment to nature alone (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e =\u0026thinsp;.381; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and the experience status were included in the flow experience level, and together they accounted for 36% (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e=.214; \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eExperience\u003c/sub\u003e=.491; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), motivation levels were added and it was determined how much the three scales included in the study together affect the commitment to nature. It was determined that all scales explained 64% (\u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eFlow\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.142; \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eExperience\u003c/sub\u003e=.362; \u0026#120573;\u003csub\u003eMotivation\u003c/sub\u003e=.289; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study on recreationists obtained results that support previous studies. The results once again show that nature-based activities enable individuals to experience flow and thus increase their commitment to nature.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Flow, Experience and Motivation on Connectedness to Nature","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-03-11 06:50:58","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6165402/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"77ddc0a3-863b-4590-a003-e69f39dadd3c","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 11th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-04-07T09:38:56+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-03-11 06:50:58","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6165402","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6165402","identity":"rs-6165402","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}