Fishing Participation Explained Through an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model

Internal and external factors work in tandem to shape environmental behavior and guide strategies for natural resource management agencies, yet these factors are rarely integrated in empirical research. This study extended the Theory of Planned Behavior by incorporating constraints and environmental identity into a model to explain behavioral intentions among recreational anglers. Attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and environmental identity were strong correlates of environmental behavior, whereas constraints were weakly and negatively associated with intentions to go fishing the following year. Interestingly, environmental identity decreased intentions to go fishing while heightening positive attitudes towards fishing. These results provide a comprehensive perspective on a range of social psychological phenomena that work in conjunction to shape behavior and inform environmental education campaigns aimed at increasing participation in fishing.