Ambient air pollution perception and coping behaviour among hikers

Air pollution is becoming a global issue affecting many places around the world. In recent years, issues regarding air quality, leisure-time physical activity and tourists’ behavioural intentions have been of considerable concern. This study aims to explore the impact of air pollution on hikers’ hiking behaviour based on the stress coping theory and also examine the differences of hikers from two locations within different air quality. On-site questionnaire survey was conducted to understand hikers' perceptions of air pollution, stress induced by air pollution, and coping behaviours. Overall, 400 questionnaires were completed, of which 336 were valid. Results of independent t-test indicated that although the air quality of Xiangshan was better than Shoushan for long periods of time, Xiangshan hikers were more likely to use absolute substitution than Shoushan hikers when facing air pollution. Moreover, based on the results of the regression analysis, perception of air pollution and stress associated with air pollution were determined to be correlated with coping behaviours. Behavioural coping strategies rather than cognitive coping strategies were employed when hikers encountered air pollution. Finally, managerial implications and suggestions for future research were proposed based on the results.