Solo female travel risks, anxiety and travel intentions: examining the moderating role of online psychological-social support

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between solo female travel risks, anxiety, and their travel intentions. The moderating role of online psychological-social support between anxiety and solo female travel intentions was explored as well. Data was collected through two Facebook groups for solo female travelers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation analyses were conducted to test the hypothesized relationships among variables. Findings indicate that solo female travel risks (gendered risk, destination-specific risk, and social-psychological risk) have negative effects on travel intentions and positive effects on anxiety. While anxiety adversely affects solo female travel intentions, online psychological-social support weakens this effect. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.