Empathy and experience: understanding tourists’ swim with whale encounters

Peta Maguire; Lee Kannis-Dymand; Kate Mulgrew; Vikki Schaffer; Sheila Peake

doi:10.1080/10871209.2019.1695024

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Empathy and experience: understanding tourists’ swim with whale encounters

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Empathy and experience: understanding tourists’ swim with whale encounters

Peta Maguire, Lee Kannis-Dymand, Kate Mulgrew, Vikki Schaffer and Sheila Peake

Human Dimensions of Wildlife, Vol.25(2), pp.105-120

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2019.1695024

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Abstract

empathy

connection to nature

conservation behavior

anthropomorphism

whales

Whale-related tourism is an increasingly popular activity which may be used to drive conservation efforts. This study explored the relationships between empathy, conservation behaviors, anthropomorphism, connectedness to nature, and experiences of whale watchers and swim-with whale tourists. Participants (n = 45) from Australia and the Kingdom of Tonga completed trait questionnaires pre-swim and then questionnaires relating to their experience at post-swim. The predictions of the dispositional empathy with nature theory were supported as empathy was associated with higher anthropomorphism, connectedness to nature, and greater intention to engage in conservation behavior. Females were also higher than males on empathy. Being close to the whales, making eye contact, and seeing calves resulted in greater enjoyment. Understanding the potential connection visitors may have during a whale encounter will enhance experience design and identify avenues to increase conservation efforts.

Details

Title: Empathy and experience: understanding tourists’ swim with whale encounters
Authors: Peta Maguire (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
Lee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kate Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
Vikki Schaffer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Business
Sheila Peake (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Human Dimensions of Wildlife, Vol.25(2), pp.105-120
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc.
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2019.1695024
ISSN: 1087-1209; 1087-1209
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; Office of Research; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451476702621
Output Type: Journal article