Investigating the flow experiences and risk-taking tendencies of individuals engaged in nature and adventure sports as a Sportive Rrecreation Activity

This thesis aims to investigate the flow experiences and risk-taking tendencies of individuals participating in nature and adventure-based recreation activities. These sports offer a significant escape route for individuals seeking to escape the stress and monotony of modern life. While these sports allow participants to challenge their physical, mental, and emotional limits, they also provide an opportunity to be in close contact with nature. The main objective of the research is to determine the relationship between the flow experiences and risk-taking tendencies of individuals participating in nature and adventure sports. Flow experience is defined as the state in which individuals lose track of time, become fully immersed in the activity, and derive great pleasure from the process. Risk-taking tendency, on the other hand, refers to the propensity of individuals to engage in new and challenging experiences by accepting a certain level of risk. The research was conducted with individuals actively participating in nature sports residing in different regions of Turkey. Participants were selected from individuals involved in nature sports-related groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Data were collected through an online survey method, reaching participants using the snowball sampling technique. Data from a total of 269 participants were analyzed in terms of demographic distribution, flow experience, and risk-taking tendencies. The scales used in the research included the Recreational Flow Experience Scale and the Risk-Taking Scale. Various statistical methods such as frequency analysis, independent groups t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicated a positive relationship between flow experience and risk-taking tendency, suggesting that participants who experience flow tend to have higher general risk-taking tendencies. Analyses conducted in terms of age groups and gender showed significant differences in flow experience and risk-taking tendencies. It was observed that younger participants were more inclined towards social and ethical risk-taking, while these tendencies decreased with age. In terms of gender, no significant difference was found between males and females in flow experience and risk-taking tendencies. This thesis contributes to a better understanding of the flow experiences and risk-taking tendencies of individuals participating in nature and adventure-based recreation activities and provides important insights into the planning and management of these activities. Additionally, it emphasizes the positive psychological and emotional impacts of nature and adventure sports on individuals, highlighting the need to encourage such activities. Keywords: leisure; recreation; nature-based recreation; flow experience; risk-taking behaviour