Quality-of-Life Value Perceptions and Forest Tourism Satisfaction of Exchange Populations Based on the Motivation–Hygiene Theory: A Structural Equation Modeling and Random Forest Approach

This study conceptualizes forest experiences into multidimensional values rather than a single metric and demonstrates that a statistically non-significant linear path does not imply theoretical irrelevance. Comprehensive evaluations of the structural pathways through which accumulated forest tourism experiences relate to quality-of-life value perceptions from a transformative perspective are lacking. We investigated the linear and nonlinear structural relationships of forest tourism activities on the quality-of-life value perceptions and overall satisfaction of the exchange population. Survey data from 1163 forest tourism-experienced respondents in South Korea were analyzed using a hybrid model combining partial least-squares structural equation model, Random Forest, and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). Increased exchange frequency was linearly associated with social, growth-need, and intellectual values. Social, esthetic, emotional-health, and intellectual value perceptions were positively associated with overall satisfaction. Random Forest and SHAP analyses exploratorily supported Herzberg’s Motivation–Hygiene Theory’s applicability; maintaining Close Relationship was the dominant hygiene factor for the dissatisfied group, whereas Emotional Comfort and Discovery of Natural Beauty were key motivators for the satisfied group. These findings suggest shifting from linear satisfaction management to a systemic approach: using emotional-esthetic factors for initial influx and social-intellectual values for potential long-term engagement.