Investigation of flow experiences of individuals participating in nature walk as an outdoor recreational activity

The aim of this thesis is to examine the flow experiences of individuals participating in nature walks as an outdoor recreational activity according to demographic variables. The research is a quantitative study and was conducted according to a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consists of individuals participating in nature walk activities organized by institutions, organizations, and clubs in Konya province. The sample of the research was determined to be 303 people, and this number was reached. A simple random sampling method was used in the study. In line with the analysis of the research data, frequency analysis was used to reveal descriptive data, and kurtosis-skewness and Cronbach's Alpha analysis were used to analyze reliability and normality. In order to determine the differences between variables, t-test and ANOVA analyses were used. According to the research findings, it was determined that the average flow experience of individuals participating in nature walks was high. In addition, the likelihood of individuals participating in nature walks as an outdoor recreational activity to have a flow experience was found to be significantly different in terms of gender, education level, institution of employment, physical activity location preference, frequency of participation in nature walks, and how long they have been taking nature walks. However, the likelihood of individuals having a flow experience did not differ significantly in terms of age, marital status, family income, weekly leisure time, preference to participate in nature walks, purpose of participating in nature walks, or where they received information about nature walks activities. In conclusion, the findings point to several important factors that encourage participation in nature walks. For example, it was observed that individuals preferred outdoor areas for physical activity activities, and this increased their flow experience scores. It was also found that individuals who participated in nature walks more frequently and had been doing this activity for a longer period of time had higher flow experience scores. The findings may therefore be useful in promoting healthy lifestyle activities such as physical activity and nature walks.