With Whom We Recreate: Companion Displacement Identified as a Novel Coping Mechanism

Authors

  • Elizabeth E. Perry Michigan State University
  • Cait M. Henry Michigan State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2025-13123

Keywords:

Adaptation, group composition, panel study, recreation displacement, site conditions

Abstract

Encountering undesirable site conditions may result in recreationists employing behavioral coping strategies such as displacement. We propose “companion” displacement as a novel displacement type beyond the known temporal, spatial, activity, and total types. Here, we present the concept of companion displacement and measures of it across three empirical studies. In relation to known displacement types, we found that companion displacement is used as a coping strategy, is most reported as a pre-visit adaptation, and tends to occur at relatively low rates and in conjunction with other displacement types. This preliminary work encourages conceptual opportunities for examining a social dimension of displacement considerations beyond the previously considered asocial types of time, place, pursuit, and if at all. This can correspondingly influence managerial decisions about providing site information, understanding displacement characteristics (who, where, when, what, and with whom), and considering how site demands may shift in response to different types of displacement.

Published

2025-10-23