Motivations, Barriers, and Constraints Affecting Underprivileged Youths' Participation in Nature-based Outdoor Recreation

Abstract

The types of motivations, barriers, and constraints affecting youth participation in nature-based outdoor recreation are researched in this study. The participants represent underprivileged youth affiliated with a drop-in after-school youth program sponsored by a local soup kitchen in an upper-Midwest city. Guided by the Constraints Negotiation Theory and following previous leisure and recreation research on perceived motivations, barrier, and constraints, this study utilizes qualitative techniques to collect data. Results reveal sets of common motivations and constraints affecting underprivileged youths’ participation in nature-based outdoor recreation. This information will benefit public and private local and regional organizations that provide and promote nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities for a diverse youth population by helping them to better understand their audience.