A cognitive appraisal theory perspective of residents’ support for tourism

Research on residents’ attitudes toward tourism suggests an exchange relationship between perceived tourism impact and support among residents. However, there is limited knowledge about the cognitive processes through which such a relationship occurs. This study demonstrates the potential utility of integrating cognitive appraisal and social exchange theories to explain the cognitive process linking perceived tourism impact, quality of life, and residents’ support for tourism. We used a survey of residents of Klamath and Linn Counties in the state of Oregon, United States, to obtain data from a random sample of 782 respondents. Using a structural equation modeling approach, we tested three competing theoretical models: the social exchange baseline model, the cognitive appraisal model, and a model integrating both theories. Results suggest that conceptual integration of social exchange and cognitive appraisal theories potentially improves the prediction of residents’ support for tourism. Results also suggest that positive tourism attributes and positive affective emotions can play vital roles in the cognitive processes determining residents’ support for tourism. We discuss the implications of these findings for future tourism research.