The psychological experience of river guiding: exploring the protective frame and implications for guide well-being

Adventure tours are a fast-growing segment of the tourism market and guide behaviour has been identified as a critical factor in tourist satisfaction. However, little research has investigated guides' emotional and motivational experiences and implications for psychological well-being. This study analyses critical incidents from autoethnographical data captured during a 10-year span of white-water river guiding in the northern and southern hemispheres. Reversal theory constructs inform analysis of psychological states and emotions experienced throughout guide training, development, and river trip interactions. Factors that may influence guides' 'protective frames', emotions, and motivational states are discussed, along with implications for guide and client well-being.