Expectancy-value constructs as antecedents of project completion in one-off, project-based leisure activities

One-off, project-based leisure activity involves a goal to complete a project. Inability to achieve goals can induce negative effects (e.g. atychiphobia; depressive symptoms). In this prospective study, achievement of the goal to complete a 2,000+ mile hike of the Appalachian Trail and persistence towards this goal were examined via situated expectancy-value theory. Participants (N = 157; 55.4% finishers; 32.5% women; 53.5% overweight/obese; Mage = 36.68) completed pre-hike and post-hike surveys. T-tests and survival analyses revealed that pre-hike choices, reflected by body composition, budget, and push-through-pain intentions, significantly differentiated finishers from non-finishers. Different points (e.g. first 400 miles; $4,000) were significant for persistence. Significant correlations indicated that ability beliefs and task values were secondary and tertiary antecedents of goal outcomes. Pre-hike mental toughness and value for enjoyment and socioemotional connection indirectly and negatively impacted goal achievement. Findings can inform interventions to reduce injury and increase goal achievement in project-based leisure activity.