Objectives: Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park provides visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation and informs visitors of the environmental significance of the park’s ecosystem. This study attempted to examine how the perceived restorativeness of park visitors influenced their place attachment. In addition, the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity on the hypothesized relationship was explored.Methods: Using the purposive sampling method, 408 surveys were collected at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park. The hypotheses were tested by confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and invariance tests using Lisrel 8.70.Results: The results indicated that perceived restorativeness had a positive influence on place attachment (place identity and place dependence). Further, the hypothesized relationship was stronger for the visitors with higher environmental sensitivity, compared to those with weaker environmental sensitivity.Conclusion: Park managers should consider ways to increase the perceived restorativeness of visitors as they experience the natural environment at the park. Also, since environmental sensitivity played an important role in shaping the perceived restorativeness–place attachment relationship, there is a need for educational programs that can inform visitors of the significance of the natural environment to increase their affection for nature.
This study investigated the mediating effect of sense of coherence on the relationship between retirement resources and post-retirement well-being (i.e., retirement adjustment and retirement satisfaction) and the moderated mediation effect of leisure activity types (i.e., active vs. passive physical activity) on the relationship. An online survey was distributed to Korean baby boomer retirees, born between 1955 and 1963, and 442 participants completed the survey. Structural equation modeling and multigroup analyses were performed to examine the hypothesized model. The results showed that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the relationship between retirement resources, retirement adjustment, and satisfaction. Additionally, the analyses demonstrated a moderated mediation effect from leisure activity types on this relationship. Specifically, the effect of retirement resources on retirement satisfaction through SOC was higher for Korean baby boomer retirees who participated in active leisure types, such as golfing and climbing. Therefore, considering active leisure types to better cope with the post-retirement lifestyle and increase post-retirement well-being is crucial.
Objectives: Fine dust (PM2.5) pollution has emerged as a severe environmental and public health issue in South Korea, affecting respiratory health and reducing outdoor physical activity levels. Given these concerns, individuals increasingly seek restorative natural environments to mitigate the psychological and physical effects of poor air quality. This study examines how fine dust risk perception influences individuals' experiences in perceived restorative environments (PRE) and their intention to support environmental policies. Specifically, this study enhances the understanding of how restorative experiences in urban parks and concerns about environmental issues influence recreationists' perspectives on environmental policies.Methods: This study was conducted at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park, a well-preserved forest ecosystem known for its ecological importance. A total of 408 visitors were surveyed using purposive sampling. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their fine dust risk perception, perceived restorative experience in nature, and intention to support environmental policies. Data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses. In addition, a bootstrap analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effects.Results: The findings indicate that individuals who perceive fine dust pollution as a serious issue are more likely to experience a heightened sense of psychological and physical restoration in natural settings. Furthermore, those who find natural environments more restorative tend to express stronger support for environmental policies, suggesting that their positive experiences in nature reinforce their commitment to sustainability. The study also found that perceived restorativeness plays a key role in connecting fine dust risk perception to environmental policy support, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping pro-environmental attitudes.Conclusions: These results highlight the role of nature-based experiences in fostering both psychological well-being and environmental engagement. As air pollution continues to pose health risks, providing access to clean, green spaces can be an effective intervention for improving public health and encouraging sustainability advocacy. Policymakers and urban planners should integrate green spaces into urban planning to enhance citizens' environmental awareness and engagement. Future studies should explore longitudinal effects and cross-regional comparisons to validate these findings further.
28 February 2022 in The Korean Career, Entrepreneurship & Business Association