Recreational areas have gained significant importance regarding human activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when citizens face challenges. This study aims to examine the behavioral intention of the decision-making approach of the visitors of coastal recreational areas to deal with this situation. The Extended Goal-directed Behavior Model (EGBM) was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine visiting coastal recreational areas to understand how citizens modify their lifestyles. A survey with 41 questions was administered to 311 residents in Izmir province. The results showed that perceived benefits affected attitudes. Attitude, subjective norm, anticipated positive emotion and anticipated negative emotion influenced desire. Desire, past behavior, and perceived behavioral control were also effective for coastal recreational visits. The present study contributes to the growing literature on decision-making processes of the uses of recreational areas and enables focusing on the significance of coastal recreational areas.

• Bui, N. A., & Kiatkawsin, K. (2020). Examining Vietnamese hard-adventure tourists’ visit intention using an extended model of goal-directed behavior. Sustainability, 12(5), 1747. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051747

• Chiu, W., Kim, T., & Won, D. (2018). Predicting consumers’ intention to purchase sporting goods online: An application of the model of goal-directed behavior. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 30(2), 333-351. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-02-2017-0028

• Ercis, A., & Turk, B. (2019). Investigation of proenvironmental product purchase intention via integrated goal-directed behavior model. Pazarlama ve Pazarlama Araştırmaları Dergisi, 12(23), 55-80. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/ppad/issue/60996/906000

• Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975). Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.

• Guzel, P., Yildiz, K., Esentas, M., & Zerengok, D. (2020). “Know-How” to spend time in home isolation during COVID-19; restrictions and recreational activities. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 7(2), 122-131. https://doi.org/10.17220/ijpes.2020.02.011

• Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis, (7th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. https://idoc.pub/download/25213166-multivariate-data-analysis-7th-edition-8x4eeyj9pg43

• Hair, J. F., Jr., Sarstedt, M., Hopkins, L., & Kuppelwieser, V. G. (2014). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM): An emerging tool in business research. European Business Review, 26(2), 106-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-10-2013-0128

• Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Gudergan, S. P. (2017). Advanced issues in partial least squares structural equation modeling. Sage Publication, Inc.

• Hansen, A. S., Beery, T., Fredman, P., & Wolf-Watz, D. (2022). Outdoor recreation in Sweden during and after the Covid-19 pandemic–management and policy implications. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2022.2029736

• Hinton, P. R., McMurray, I., & Brownlow, C. (2014). SPSS explained (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315797298

• Holevova, B. K. (2018). The role of prevolitional processes in video game playing: A test of the model of goal-directed behavior and the extended model of goal-directed behavior. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 14(4), 932-948. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v14i4.1565

• Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modelling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

• Jin, M.-L., Choi, Y., Lee, C.-K., & Ahmad, M. S. (2020). Effects of place attachment and image on revisit intention in an ecotourism destination: Using an extended model of goal-directed behavior. Sustainability, 12(18), 7831. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187831

• Kane, B., Zajchowski, C. A., Allen, T. R., McLeod, G., & Allen, N. H. (2021). Is it safer at the beach? Spatial and temporal analyses of beachgoer behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ocean & Coastal Management, 205, Article 105533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105533

• Kim, M. J., & Hall, C. M. (2019). Can co-creation and crowdfunding types predict funder behavior? An extended model of goal-directed behavior. Sustainability, 11(24), 7061. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247061

• Kim, M. J., & Preis, M. W. (2016). Why seniors use mobile devices: Applying an extended model of goal-directed behavior. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 33(3), 404-423. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2015.1064058

• Kim, M. J., Lee, C-K., Petrick, J. F., & Kim, Y. S. (2020). The influence of perceived risk and intervention on international tourists’ behavior during the Hong Kong protest: Application of an extended model of goal-directed behavior. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 45, 622-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.11.003

• Kim, M. J., Park, J. Y., Lee, C.-K., & Chung, J. Y. (2017). The role of perceived ethics in the decision-making process for responsible tourism using an extended model of goal-directed behavior. International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 31(4), 5-25. http://doi.org/10.21298/IJTHR.2017.4.31.4.5

• Łapko, A., Hącia, E., Strulak-Wójcikiewicz, R., Çınar, K., Panai, E., & Lučić, L. (2022). Eco-friendly tourism decision making during COVID-19—Sailing tourism example. Sustainability, 14(1), 134. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010134

• National Recreation and Park Association. (2020). The essential role of parks and recreation. https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/health-wellness/coronavirus-disease-2019/the-essential-role-of-parks-and-recreation/

• Park, E., Lee, S., & Peter, D. J. (2017). Iowa wetlands outdoor recreation visitors’ decision-making process: An extended model of goal-directed behavior. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 17, 64-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2017.01.001

• Perugini, M., & Bagozzi, R. P. (2001). The role of desires and anticipated emotions in goal-directed behaviours: Broadening and deepening the theory of planned behaviour. British Journal of Social Psychology, 40(1), 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466601164704

• Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health. (2020). COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report 19/10/2020 – 25/10/2020 Turkey. https://covid19.saglik.gov.tr/Eklenti/39230/0/covid-19-weekly-situation-report---43pdf.pdf?_tag1=D3D202441F1F5165A33D16981E6544EF7FC0A32F

• Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior. (2020, March 22). 65 yaş ve üstü ile kronik rahatsızlığı olanlara sokağa çıkma yasağı ek genelgesi [Curfew supplementary circular for 65 years and over and those with chronic disorders]. https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/65-yas-ve-ustu-ile-kronik-rahatsizligi-olanlara-sokaga-cikma-yasagi-ek-genelgesi