Exploring the mechanisms of tourist well-being: An application of cognitive appraisal theory and self-determination theory

Previous research has established that tourism can bring happiness and well-being to tourists. However, the specific mechanisms by which travel leads to well-being are not yet fully understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study integrated Cognitive Appraisal Theory (CAT) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to predict tourist well-being. The study employed a quantitative approach and used a sample population of tourists who had traveled abroad for at least 3 days in the past 12 months. Data was collected from an online panel owned by the Centre of Tourism Research in Prince Edward Island (PEI), resulting in a final sample size of 396. Two-step analysis, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), was performed on the data. The findings support the predictions of CAT and SDT and establish connections between the theories. Specifically, the study found that SDT's psychological needs of autonomy and relatedness mediate the relationship between the positive emotions elicited by the trip and tourists’ psychological well-being.