Backpacker Identity: Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

Backpacker identity has attracted growing attention in backpacker tourism research. However, there still lacks a valid scale to measure backpacker identity. Guided by Social Identity Theory (SIT), this study aims to develop and validate a scale to measure backpacker identity in the Chinese context. The study used two Chinese backpacker samples in two stages (Study 1, n=190; Study 2, n=323) to establish the psychometric properties of a backpacker identity scale (BIS). Following the process of scale development, a three-dimension (i.e., self-categorization, group self-value, and group self-evaluation) backpacker identity measurement model was identified. The refined scale with 16 measurement items was finally identified with sufficient reliability and validity. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Scale development and validation of anime tourism motivations

“…Following the rigorous procedure of scale development and validation in general (Churchill, 1979;Dedeoğlu et al, 2020;DeVellis, 2003) and in travel and tourism settings in particular (Chen et al, 2019;Hung & Petrick, 2011), we intend to develop a scale to measure anime tourism motivations. The following four steps were undertaken: (1) specification of construct domains and generation of initial items, (2) item purification, (3) measurement scale reliability and validity assessment, and (4) development of norms.…”

Developing a Multidimensional Measurement Scale for Diaspora Tourists’ Motivation

“…Questions of social identity, such as “Who are we?” “Why are we here?” and “Where did we come from?” are crucially important to the study of diaspora tourists’ motivations. Drawing on social identity theory (G. Chen, Zhao, and Huang 2019; Tajfel and Turner 1985), this paper develops a conceptual discourse on the motivations of diaspora tourists, demonstrating the ways in which questions of social identity motivate travel to an ancestral homeland.…”

“…Chen, Zhao, and Huang 2019; Tajfel and Turner 1985), this paper develops a conceptual discourse on the motivations of diaspora tourists, demonstrating the ways in which questions of social identity motivate travel to an ancestral homeland. According to this theory, social identity influences the kinds of social activities that a person pursues (Agbiboa 2015; G. Chen, Zhao, and Huang 2019).…”

“…The outcomes of pursuing such socially oriented goals reinforce the antecedents of identification. Social identity theory emphasizes that a sense of shared values, culture, history, ancestry, or community are important components of social identity that drives action (G. Chen, Zhao, and Huang 2019).…”

Understanding the place-making practices of backpackers

“…Backpackers have had a profound influence on the character of various places around the world, as their desire to travel ‘off-the-beaten-track’ has brought new destinations to the attention of the tourism industry (Hampton, 2013; Pryer, 1997; Westerhausen and Macbeth, 2003). Scholars have provided industry and community perspectives of backpacking (Hampton, 2013; Pryer, 1997; Welk, 2010), engaged with backpacker identity formation and experiences (Bui et al, 2014; Chen et al, 2019; Zhang et al, 2018), and considered the everyday practices of other tourist types (Edensor, 2007; Obrador, 2003). Yet, little is known of how the practices of backpackers contribute to place-making processes.…”