From Experience to Action: Exploring the Pathways to Environmental Behavior Through Paddling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2026-12914Abstract
Outdoor experiences and contexts are widely assumed to support pro-environmental behavior, yet research has struggled to explain how behavioral change works. Existing studies often emphasize isolated mechanisms, resulting in limited understanding of how cognitive, affective, social, and place-based processes may interact. This study addresses this gap by exploring how pro-environmental behavior may be fostered within skill-based paddle leadership training. In collaboration with the Swedish Canoe Federation, a weekend leader course grounded in three research-informed strategies was developed: place-based guidance, social cohesion, and individual capacity building. Post-course interviews and post-season focus groups were used to study the effects of the course, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings show that participants expanded their environmental understanding, pedagogical capability, and sense of social belonging, with these effects dynamically reinforcing motivation and readiness to act. Participants also encountered contextual and social obstacles. We propose a conceptual model illustrating how preconditions, pedagogical strategies, and processes interact to support pro-environmental behavior in outdoor leadership contexts.
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