Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Dr. Karen Irene Thal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). She graduated from the University of South Carolina in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management where she completed her dissertation on wellness tourism. She is currently developing a health and wellness tourism concentration at FHSU as well as conducting research in this area.

Abstract (150 Words)

This study assessed aspects of psychological wellbeing as the outcome of a wellness vacation using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework. Pre and post vacation surveys assessed wellbeing as the outcome of a stay and a structural equation model estimated precursors to psychological wellbeing. Overall, measures of psychological wellbeing increased significantly with Positive Affect and Vitality demonstrating moderate effect sizes. Precursors to enhanced psychological wellbeing were also significant with Autonomous self-regulation and Competence demonstrating a strong association in particular. Managerial implications were discussed.

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Fitter and healthier but happier? Assessing psychological wellbeing as the outcome of a wellness vacation using Self-Determination Theory

This study assessed aspects of psychological wellbeing as the outcome of a wellness vacation using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework. Pre and post vacation surveys assessed wellbeing as the outcome of a stay and a structural equation model estimated precursors to psychological wellbeing. Overall, measures of psychological wellbeing increased significantly with Positive Affect and Vitality demonstrating moderate effect sizes. Precursors to enhanced psychological wellbeing were also significant with Autonomous self-regulation and Competence demonstrating a strong association in particular. Managerial implications were discussed.