From Curiosity and Exploration to Sensation Seeking: The Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Leisure Time Motivation Among Nature Sports Participants

This study examined the mediating role of intrinsic motivation in the relationships among curiosity and exploration, sensation seeking, and leisure time motivation among nature sports participants. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and the proposed relationships were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 513 individuals actively participating in nature sports. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS, and the validity and reliability of the measurement model were assessed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties of the measurement model and excellent overall model fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.010, SRMR = 0.013). Curiosity and exploration and sensation seeking were positively associated with intrinsic motivation, while intrinsic motivation was positively associated with leisure time motivation. In addition, both curiosity and exploration and sensation seeking showed significant direct associations with leisure time motivation. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect associations between curiosity and exploration, sensation seeking, and leisure time motivation through intrinsic motivation. These findings suggest that leisure time motivation among nature sports participants is associated with exploratory tendencies, sensation-seeking tendencies, and intrinsically rewarding psychological experiences. The study highlights intrinsic motivation as a theoretically relevant link within the tested structural model.