Territorial hosts and deviant tourists: Exploring the linkages in P2P accommodation

Abstract

This study examined the mechanisms and conditions under which host territorial behavior stimulates deviant tourist behavior. Drawing on compensatory control theory, the present study argues that sense of control is likely to act as a mediator between host territorial behavior and deviant tourist behavior, whereas interpersonal sensitivity moderates the association between host territorial behavior and sense of control. Data were collected from 578 visitors who stayed in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation settings. The findings indicate that host territorial behavior has a direct effect on deviant tourist behavior, with sense of control serving as a mediating variable. Furthermore, interpersonal sensitivity plays a crucial role in moderating the impact of host territorial behavior on sense of control. Specifically, for tourists with high levels of interpersonal sensitivity, the negative effect of host territorial behavior on their sense of control is particularly powerful. In addition, through sense of control, interpersonal sensitivity amplifies the indirect relationship between host territorial behavior and deviant tourist behavior.