Inspiration has been an under-studied phenomenon in the interpretation field. This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review of psychological literature related to inspiration, revealing nine characteristics of inspiration. Of particular interest was the contrasting meanings of inspiration as inspired by and inspired to, and that inspiration is transmissible, positive, individual, transcendent, unexpected, and holistic, and requires receptivity, which may be cultivated. Each characteristic was related to the field of interpretation in practice. After this review of the literature, we propose that giving consideration to inspiration-based interpretation may provide useful insights for practice as a constructivist approach to interpretation. Further exploration into the topic is warranted.
BallantyneR., & PackerJ. (2009). Introducing a fifth pedagogy: Experience based strategies for facilitating learning in natural environments.Environmental Education Research, 15(March 2015), 243–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620802711282
4.
BallantyneR., PackerJ., & FalkJ. (2011). Visitors’ learning for environmental sustainability: Testing short- and long-term impacts of wildlife tourism experiences using structural equation modelling.Tourism Management, 32 (6), 1243–1252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.11.003
5.
BallantyneR., PackerJ., HughesK., & DierkingL. (2007). Conservation learning in wildlife tourism settings: Lessons from research in zoos and aquariums.Environmental Education Research, 13(March 2015), 367–383. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620701430604
6.
BallantyneR., PackerJ., & SutherlandL. A. (2011). Visitors’ memories of wildlife tourism: Implications for the design of powerful interpretive experiences.Tourism Management, 32, 770–779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.06.012
7.
BeckL., & CableT. T. (2011). The gifts of interpretation for the 21st Century: Fifteen guiding principles for interpreting nature and culture.Urbana, IL: Sagamore Publishing.
8.
BlaneyC. L. (2013). Dialogue programs tackle tough issues: Observations and interviews at three sites across the United States.Stephen F. Austin State University.
BurgessA. (1986). Homage to Qwert Yuiop: Selected journalism 1978–1985.London: Hutchinson.
11.
Bush-GibsonB., & RinfretS. R. (2010). Environmental adult learning and transformation in formal and nonformal settings.Journal of Transformative Education, 8 (2), 71–88. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344611406736
CloverD. E. (2002). Toward transformative learning: Ecological perspectives for adult education. In O'SullivanE., MorrellA., & O'ConnorM. A. (Eds.), Expanding the boundaries of transformative learning: Essays on theory and praxis (pp. 159–174). New York, NY: Palgrave. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620220145465
DavidsonP., & BlackR. (2007). Voices from the profession: Principles of successful guided cave interpretation.Journal of Interpretation Research, 12 (2), 25–43. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
16.
DicksB. (2000). Encoding and decoding the people: Circuits of communication at a local heritage museum.European Journal of Communication, 15 (1), 61–78. Retrieved from http://ejc.sagepub.com/content/15/1/61.short
17.
DierkingL. D. (1998). Interpretation as a social experience. In UzzellD., & BallantyneR. (Eds.), Contemporary issues in heritage and environmental interpretation: Problems and prospects (pp. 56–76). London, England: The Stationery Office.
18.
EdwardsY., & SolmanV. E. F. (1979). The land speaks: Organizing and running an interpretation system.Toronto, ON: The National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada.
19.
EngenB. C. (2005). The experience of creative inspiration among creative professionals: A grounded theory approach.San Francisco, California Institute of Integral Studies.
20.
FalkJ. H. (2012). Identity and the museum visitor experience.London: Routledge.
21.
FalkJ. H., & DierkingL. D. (2000). Learning from museums: Visitor experiences and the making of meaning.Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press.
22.
FinkA. (2010). Conducting research literature reviews: From the internet to paper.Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
23.
FredricksonL. M., & AndersonD. H. (1999). A qualitative exploration of the wilderness experience as a source of spiritual inspiration.Journal of Environmental Psychology, 19, 21–39. https://doi.org/0272-4944/99/010021+19
24.
GoldmanT. L., ChenW.-L.J., & LarsenD. L. (2001). Clicking the icon: Exploring the meanings visitors attach to three national capital memorials.Journal of Interpretation Research, 6 (1), 3–30. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
25.
GonzalezS. P., MetzlerJ. N., & NewtonM. (2011). The influence of a simulated “pep talk” on athlete inspiration, situational motivation, and emotion.International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 6 (3), 445–459. Retrieved from http://www.multi-science.co.uk/sports-science&coaching.htm
26.
GoodrichJ. L., & BixlerR. D. (2012). Getting campers to interpretive programs: Understanding constraints to participation.Journal of Interpretation Research, 17 (1), 60–70. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
GrenierR. (2008). Practicing what we preach: A case study of two training programs.Journal of Interpretation Research, 13 (1), 7–25. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
30.
HaidtJ. (2000). The positive emotion of elevation.Prevention and Treatment, 3, 1–5.
31.
HalpennyE. A. (2010). Pro-environmental behaviours and park visitors: The effect of place attachment.Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30 (4), 109–421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.04.006
32.
HamS. H. (1992). Environmental interpretation: A practical guide for people with big ideas and small budgets.Golden, CO: North American Press.
33.
HamS. H. (2013). Interpretation: Making a difference on purpose.Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.
34.
HartT. R. (1993). Inspiration: An exploration of the experience and its role in healthy functioning.University of MassachusettsAmherst. Retrieved from http://www.worldcat.org/
35.
HartT. R. (1998). Inspiration: Exploring the experience and its meaning.Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 38 (3), 7–35. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167890383002
HaslamS. A., ReicherS. D., & PlatowM. (2011). The new psychology of leadership: Identity, influence, and power.Hove, East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press.
38.
Hesse-BiberS. N., & LeavyP. (2011). The practice of qualitative research.Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
39.
HoodM. G. (1983). Staying away: Why people choose not to visit museums.Museum News, April, 50–57.
HughesK. (2012). Measuring the impact of viewing wildlife: Do positive intentions equate to long-term changes in conservation behaviour?Journal of Sustainable Tourism, (March 2015), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2012.681788
42.
HunterJ. (2012a). A pedagogy of emplacement: Experiential storytelling and sense of place education in park interpretive programs. Retrieved from http://gradworks.umi.com/35/09/3509923.html
43.
HunterJ. (2012b). Towards a cultural analysis: The need for ethnography in interpretation research.Journal of Interpretation Research, 17 (2), 47–58. Retrieved from www.interpnet.com
44.
Immordino-YangM. H., & DamasioA. (2007). We feel, therefore we learn: The relevance of affective and social neuroscience to education.Mind, Brain, and Education, 1 (1), 3–10.
45.
InghamZ. (2000). Rhetoric of disengagement: Interpretive talks in the national parks. In CoppolaN. W., & KarisB. (Eds.), Technical communication, deliberative rhetoric, and environmental discourse: Connections and directions (pp. 139–148). Stamford, CN: Ablex Publishing Corporation.
JacksonB. (2012). Give your people a cause and inspiration will follow: The secrets of successful team-building.Human Resource Management International Digest, 20 (2), 32–34. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731211208184
48.
JenningsD. J. I. (2012). Inspiration: Examining its emotional correlates and relationship to internalized values.Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond,Virginia. Retrieved from http://gradworks.umi.com/35/49/3549626.html
49.
KnappD. (2007). Applied interpretation: Putting research into practice.Fort Collins, CO: National Association for Interpretation.
50.
KnappD., & BentonG. M. (2004). Elements to successful interpretation: A multiple case study of five national parks.Journal of Interpretation Research, 9 (2), 9–25. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
51.
KnappD., & ForistB. (2014). A new interpretive pedagogy.Journal of Interpretation Research, 19 (1), 33–38. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
52.
KwallR. R. (2006). Inspiration and innovation: The intrinsic dimension of the artistic soul.Notre Dame Law Review, 81 (5), 1–11. Retrieved from http://ndlawreview.org/
53.
LangerE. J. (1997). The power of mindful learning.Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books Group.
54.
LaPageW. (2001). Nature “speaks”: Exploring the inspiration of public parklands.Legacy (National Association for Interpretation), (Sept-Oct), 18–23.
55.
LaPageW. (2002). Interpretation and the eureka moment.Journal of Interpretation Research, 7 (1), 25–29. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
56.
LathamK. F., NarayanB., & GorichanazT. (2018). Encountering the muse: An exploration of the relationship between inspiration and information in the museum context.Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 1–10.
LückM. (2003). Education on marine mammal tours as agent for conservation: But do tourists want to be educated?Ocean & Coastal Management, 46 (9-10), 943–956. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-5691(03)00071-1
59.
MarkwellK., StevensonD., & RoweD. (2004). Footsteps and memories: Interpreting an Australian urban landscape through thematic walking tours.International Journal of Heritage Studies, 10 (5), 457–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/1352725042000299063
60.
MartinC. (2011). Hearts first- then minds.InterpScan (Interpretation Canada), 33 (3), 3–5. Retrieved from http://www.interpscan.ca/
61.
MaslowA. H. (1964). Religions, values, and peak experiences.London: Penguin Books Limited.
62.
MaslowA. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of being.New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
63.
McCallJ. R., & McCallV. (1977). Outdoor recreation: Forest, park and wilderness.Beverly Hills, CA: Benziger Bruce and Glencoe.
64.
McCarthyJ., & CiolfiL. (2008). Place as dialogue: Understanding and supporting the museum experience.International Journal of Heritage Studies, 14 (3), 247–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527250801953736
65.
MillsE. A. (2001). Adventures of a nature guide.Long Peak, CO: Temporal Mechanical Press.
66.
MilyavskayaM., IanakievaI., Foxen-CraftE., ColantuoniA., & KoestnerR. (2012). Inspired to get there: The effects of trait and goal inspiration on goal progress.Personality and Individual Differences, 52 (1), 56–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.08.031
67.
MitchellK. (2005). “The soul of things: “ Spirituality and interpretation in national parks.Epoche: The University of California Journal for the Study of Religion, 23 (1), 33–58. https://doi.org/ Retrieved from http://www.epoche.ucsb.edu/
NohE. J. (2014). Constructs and mechanisms of personally-delivered interpretive programs that lead to mindfulness and meaning-making.Michigan State University. Retrieved from http://gradworks.umi.com/36/17/3617369.html
73.
O'GradyK., & RichardsP. S. (2011). The role of inspiration in scientific scholarship and discovery: Views of theistic scientists.Explore, 7 (6), 354–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2011.08.004
PekarikA. J., SchreiberJ. B., HanemannN., RichmondK., & MogelB. (2014). A theory of experience preference: IPOP.Curator: The Museum Journal, 57 (1), 5–27.
78.
PessoaL. (2008). On the relationship between emotion and cognition.Nature Neuroscience, 9, 148–158.
79.
PoriaY., BiranA., & ReichelA. (2009). Visitors’ preferences for interpretation at heritage sites.Journal of Travel Research, 48 (1), 92–105. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287508328657
SeligmanM. E. P., & CsikszentmihalyiM. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction.American Psychologist, 55 (1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037//003.066X.55.1.5
82.
ShalaginovaI. (2012). Understanding heritage: A constructivist approach to heritage interpretation as a mechanism for understanding heritage sites.Brandenburg University of Technology.
83.
ShiotaM. N., ThrashT. M., DanversA. F., & DombrowskiJ. T. (2017). Transcending the self: Awe, elevation, and inspiration. In & TugadeL.D. K. M. M., ShiotaM. N. (Ed.), Handbook of positive emotions.Guilford Press.
84.
SilbermanN. A. (2013). Heritage interpretation as public discourse: Towards a new paradigm. In RudolphB. (Ed.), Understanding heritage: Paradigms in heritage studies.Paris, France: UNESCO.
85.
SimonN. (2010). The participatory museum.Santa Cruz, CA: Museum 2.0.
86.
SimopoulosJ. C. (1948). The study of inspiration.The Journal of Philosophy, 45 (2), 29–41. Retrieved from http://www.journalofphilosophy.org/
87.
SmithJ. G. (1999). Learning from popular culture: Interpretation, visitors and critique.International Journal of Heritage Studies, 5 (3-4), 135–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527259908722260
TaylorE. W., & CaldarelliM. (2004). Teaching beliefs of non-formal environmental educators: A perspective from state and local parks in the United States.Environmental Education Research, 10 (4), 451–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350462042000291001
91.
ThrashT. M., & ElliotA. J. (2003). Inspiration as a psychological construct.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84 (4), 871–889. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.871
92.
ThrashT. M., & ElliotA. J. (2004). Inspiration: Core characteristics, component processes, antecedents, and function.Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 87 (6), 957–973. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.87.6.957
93.
ThrashT. M., ElliotA. J., MaruskinL. A., & CassidyS. E. (2010). Inspiration and the promotion of well-being: Tests of causality and mediation.Journal of Personality And Social Psychology, 98 (3), 488–506. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017906
94.
ThrashT. M., MaruskinL. A., CassidyS. E., FryerJ. W., & RyanR. M. (2010). Mediating between the muse and the masses: Inspiration and the actualization of creative ideas.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98 (3), 469–487. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017907
95.
ThrashT. M., MoldovanE. G., OleynickV. C., & MarkusinL. A. (2014). The psychology of inspiration.Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8/9, 495–510. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12127
96.
TildenF. (1977). Interpreting our heritage.Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.
97.
TurekE. M. (2006). Form follows function: Interpretive wisdom for environmental educators.Journal of Interpretation Research, 11 (2), 47–51. Retrieved from http://www.interpnet.com/
98.
TurnerJ. C. (1975). Social comparison and social identity: Some prospects for intergroup behaviour.European Journal of Social Psychology and Marketing, 5 (1), 1–34.
99.
US National Park Service. (2009). Denali National Park and Preserve education plan.Washington: US Department of the Interior. Retrieved from http://www.nps.gov/dena/parkmgmt/ed-plan.htm
UzzellD., & BallantyneR. (1998). Contemporary issues in heritage and environmental interpretation: Problems and prospects.London, England: The Stationery Office.
102.
Van MatreS. (1979). Sunship Earth.Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association.
103.
Van MatreS. (2008). Interpretive design and the dance of experience.Greenville, WV: The Institute for Earth Education.
WhatleyM. E. (2011). Interpretive solutions: Harnessing the power of interpretation to help resolve critical resource issues.US National Park Service.
106.
Widner WardC., & WilkinsonA. E. (2006). Conducting meaningful interpretation: A field guide for success.Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.
107.
WijeratneA. J. C., Van DijkP. a., Kirk-BrownA., & FrostL. (2014). Rules of engagement: The role of emotional display rules in delivering conservation interpretation in a zoo-based tourism context.Tourism Management, 42, 149–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.11.012
108.
WilliamsK., & HarveyD. (2001). Transcendent experience in forest environments.Journal of Environmental Psychology, 21 (3), 249–260. https://doi.org/10.1006/jevp.2001.0204
109.
WongC. U. I. (2013). The sanitization of colonial history: Authenticity, heritage interpretation and the case of Macau's tour guides.Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21 (6), 915–931. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2013.790390
