Development of the scale of motivational factors in tandem paragliding flights: Examination of the relationships between motivation, trait/state anxiety, and eudaimonic well-being by demographics; and the differences in demographics based on perceived satisfaction and felt emotions

This study aimed to examine the relationships between the motivational factors, state and trait anxiety levels, eudaimonic well-being, demographic variables, event satisfaction, and emotional states of individuals participating in tandem paragliding activities. Additionally, the study sought to develop a motivation scale specific to the field of paragliding. The research findings indicate that the tandem paragliding experience has positive effects on the participants' psychological states: It was found that the state anxiety levels, which were high before the activity (86.83±10.68), significantly decreased after the event (80.37±9.29). This highlights the potential contributions of extreme sports to stress management. Moreover, significant and multidimensional relationships were identified between individuals' motivational orientations toward tandem paragliding and their types of anxiety (p<0.01, p<0.05). Eudaimonic well-being was found to provide a supportive structure for individuals in coping with state and trait anxiety (p<0.01, p<0.05), and the levels of eudaimonic well-being were found to shape motivational orientations in tandem paragliding, demonstrating a multidimensional relationship between them (p<0.01, p<0.05). The demographic analysis of the 388 participants selected through a random sampling method revealed that variables such as gender (52.8% female and 47.2% male), age (20.6% aged 22 and under, 36.6% aged 23–35, 27.3% aged 36–45, and 15.5% aged 46 and over), marital status (50.8% married and 49.2% single), education level (30.7% high school or below, 54.1% university, and 15.2% postgraduate), and employment status (70.4% employed and 29.6% unemployed) played a decisive role in motivational tendencies, anxiety levels, and eudaimonic well-being. It was particularly observed that female participants were more inclined toward intrinsic motivations, and social media interactions were among the most significant factors enhancing the motivation to participate in the activity (12.26%). The research findings reveal the psychological benefits of adventure tourism and emphasize how such experiences can be powerful tools in improving individuals' quality of life. Therefore, the contributions of activities like tandem paragliding to individuals' psychological well-being hold significant importance in the field.