Expanding Travel Constraint Negotiation Theory: An Exploration of Cognitive and Behavioral Constraint Negotiation Relationships

Abstract

Travel participation and preferences are impacted by a range of constraints, which can be overcome using behavioral (i.e., actions) and cognitive (i.e., mental) constraint negotiation strategies. Given the limited focus on cognitive negotiation in tourism research, this study aims to expand travel constraint negotiation theory using a sequential mixed-methods approach. Qualitative interviews (n=27) with travelers affected by constraints were used to identify emergent themes of cognitive constraint negotiation. A quantitative survey (n=978) was conducted to empirically test hypothesized relationships between constraints and cognitive as well as behavioral negotiation strategies. Results showed cognitive constraint negotiation (1) involved either changes in perceptions of a constraint or travel aspirations, (2) was positively related to behavioral strategies, and (3) mediated the relationship between constraints and behavioral negotiation strategies. Consequently, cognitive constraint negotiation was found to play a more important role than suggested in past studies.

Cruise traveling behavior post-COVID-19: An integrated model of health protection motivation, travel constraint and social learning

“…TCNT is a theory frequently involved in research on leisure and travel behavior, which asserts that the relationship between tourists' travel preferences and actual actions will be intervened by travel restrictions. According to Karl et al (2021), constraints are factors that reduce the ability, preference, or willingness to travel as planned (Crawford and Godbey, 1987;Crawford et al, 1991). It may be structural constraints (i.e., financial and time constraints), intra-personal constraints (i.e., health issues) and interpersonal constraints (i.e., lack of partners).…”

“…In addition, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yang et al (2021) explained the consumers' travel intention by integrating constraint negotiation theory and theory of planed behavior. Karl et al (2021) used an extended TCNT model to explore the relationship between restraint, negotiation, and travel behavior. In this study, travel constraints that could influence travel constraint negotiation are protection motivation factors (i.e., threat and coping appraisal).…”

“…Negotiation strategies are required to overcome the constraints that prevent intention from occurring. Negotiations strategies include managing their negative emotions and adjusting their travel expectations or actual travel behavior to patch the cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957;Karl et al, 2021).…”

“…Other research suggests applying travel constraint negotiation theory (TCNT), one commonly used theory to explain consumer travel behavior. People adapt and change their travel plans to work around the negotiations caused by COVID-19 (Jackson et al, 1993;Karl et al, 2021). Although PMT focuses on restrictions and how an individual acts to reduce the threat's risk or to mitigate the threat's negative impact, TCNT focuses on changing the individual's behavior and mindset to match the situation to their expectations.…”

Do constraint negotiation and self‐construal affect solo travel intention? The case of Australia

“…Hubbard and Mannell's (2001) constraint‐effects‐mitigation model is one of the most widely adopted constraint negotiation models in tourism research (see, for example, Hung & Petrick, 2012; Karl et al, 2021). The model, which was originally developed in the leisure context, suggests that the effect of constraint and motivation on leisure (and travel) participation is moderated by negotiation.…”