The paper by Godovykh and Tasci (2022) focuses on the development and validation of a scale to measure personality changes in tourists following transformative travel experiences. The study aims to understand how certain travel experiences lead to significant changes in a traveler’s personality, such as increased openness, empathy, or resilience.
Methodology and Scale Development
The authors used a rigorous methodology to create and validate the scale, ensuring it accurately captures the nuances of personality transformation. They conducted extensive testing with diverse tourist groups to refine the scale, making it a reliable tool for future research.
Significance of Transformative Travel
The study emphasizes that transformative travel experiences go beyond mere enjoyment or relaxation. These experiences have the potential to lead to profound personal growth, altering how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. This understanding broadens the scope of tourism’s impact, highlighting its potential to contribute to personal development.
Implications for Tourism Providers
For tourism providers, the findings offer insights into how to design travel experiences that foster personal growth and transformation. By understanding the elements that contribute to transformative experiences, providers can create more meaningful and impactful travel opportunities that resonate deeply with travelers.
Future Research Directions
The paper sets the stage for further research into the psychological effects of travel, particularly how different types of experiences influence personality change. The validated scale provides a robust foundation for future studies, allowing researchers to explore this area in greater depth and with greater precision.
Reference: Godovykh, M., & Tasci, A. D. (2022). Developing and validating a scale to measure tourists’ personality change after transformative travel experiences. Leisure Sciences, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2022.2068761
You can access the full paper here.
