The Second Issue of the Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Research (JUPTRR) published

We are pleased to announce the publication of our second issue of the Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Research (JUPTRR). The issue and individual articles are available online at http://juptrr.asp.radford.edu/Current.htm.

Thank you for your support of JUPTRR!

The next submission deadline is August 15^th and is a regular issue.  Manuscripts for the special issue on Dark Tourism will be accepted through February 15, 2010.

Please help spread the word!

CURRENT ISSUE

Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research

ISSN 1942-6879

Volume 2, Number 1, 2009

Turning monsters into people: A reflexive study of sex offenders and leisure

D J Williams

This arts-based study serves two interrelated purposes. First, it draws from multiple tales to illustrate reflexivity (and its benefits) between the author, research topic, and participants. Different forms of tales show multiple and diverse human interconnections and the complexity of understanding potential leisure among sex offenders. The importance of prioritizing reflexivity should not be underestimated, particularly when conducting research with populations that commonly are “othered” and sometimes demonized. Within a reflexive context, a poetic transcription from structured interviews with five sexual offender parolees is included to explore the possible essence of leisure as expe rienced by these men. The inclusion of evocative representations emphasizes commonalities of the human condition, yet also illustrates differences between people.

Doctrinal beliefs as a determinant of sin associated with select leisure activities

Steven N. Waller

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the association between religious doctrine and perceived sinful nature of 10 leisure activities identified by the congregation under study. A questionnaire was completed by 188 congregants of a predominately African American, Protestant church located in southern Ohio and results indicated a significant association between the source of belief — personal beliefs, scripture, and religious doctrine — and the belief that certain leisure pastimes are sinful. Results of the study suggest: (1) religious doctrine influences beliefs about the sanctity of leisure activities at the individual and congregational levels; (2) personal beliefs are the greatest determinant of perceived sin associated with select leisure pursuits; and (3) length of membership in a congregation influences beliefs about leisure.

Benefits of hiking: A means-end approach on the Appalachian Trail

Eddie Hill, Marni Goldenberg, and Barbara Freidt

The purpose of this research was to examine the outcomes prompting hiking along the Appalachian Trail (AT). By using means-end theory, linkages between attributes, consequences, and values of the AT hiking experience were made. The researchers conducted forty-three interviews of AT hikers. Self-fulfillment, self-reliance, fun and enjoyment of life, and warm relationships with others were some of the values that emerged. Specifically, strong links existed between hiking and exercise, exercise and health, health and fun and enjoyment of life. While this area of research on the AT is new, results of this study can be used by recreational professionals that work with the AT or other hiking trails to promote appropriate use of natural resources.

Pigskin and black belts: Can martial arts provide insight for competitive and aggressive sports like American football?

P. Brian Greenwood and Jerusha B. Greenwood

Competitive and aggressive sports provide recreational sport contexts for youth and adolescents across the globe. One of the most popular recreational sports worldwide is martial arts, a sport characterized as aggressive yet backed in the traditional form of the sport by a principled philosophy. The researchers engaged in naturalistic inquiry through full participant observation in a traditional martial arts club. The purpose of the research was to closely examine the teaching of traditional martial arts to determine whether lessons could be derived for competitive and aggressive sports like American football. Philosophical and psychological themes emerged from the research, including a counterbalanced ethic of nonviolence and restraint and achievement orientations reflective of the researchers’ sport backgrounds, respectively.

Board member compete ncy: A Q methodology approach

Amy R. Hurd, Brent A. Beggs, and Paul Fokken

The purpose of this study was to use developed competencies to examine their importance to current public parks and recreation board members. This was done using Q methodology to determine profiles of public parks and recreation board members and the perceived value they assigned to specific competencies. A principle components analysis was used to factor analyze an 11 x 11 Q sort matrix. The results indicated there are three types of board members including the participatory, community representative, and conceptual nonpolitical. These three types had similarities and differences that demonstrated a better understanding of what competencies are important for board members to function efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Susan R. Van Patten

Executive Editor, Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research

Acting Core Curriculum Director

Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Radford University

PO Box 6963

Radford VA 24142

(540) 831-7644