Exploring the psychology of extended-period expeditionary adventurers: Going knowingly into the unknown

Article

Reid, P. and Kampman, H. 2020. Exploring the psychology of extended-period expeditionary adventurers: Going knowingly into the unknown. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 46 (Art. 101608). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101608
AuthorsReid, P. and Kampman, H.
Abstract

Aim

This research aimed to explore the lived experiences of extended-period expeditionary adventurers to understand why these individuals adventure, and what they perceive gaining from such experience. Most work in this area thus far has focused on exploring pre-determined elements of adventuring such as risk, stressors, and personality traits. However, rarely the aim has been to understand the overall why of this specific participant pool; the meaning and perceived benefits of going on an enduring adventure or expedition.

Design

Seven participants were purposefully selected for their serial and extensive adventure involvement to explore their lived experiences and in-depth insights. Method: This study utilised a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interview techniques and an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results

Three intercorrelated master themes were revealed: pre-, during- and post-adventure, all with subordinate themes: to go knowingly into the unknown; autonomy, the real outdoors and liberation; resilience and growth.

Conclusion

The results suggest that enduring expeditionary adventures have the potential to accelerate and magnify individuals’ growth and facilitate psychological well-being.

JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise
Journal citation46 (Art. 101608)
ISSN1469-0292
Year2020
PublisherElsevier
Accepted author manuscript
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File Access Level
Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101608
Publication dates
Online22 Oct 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted18 Oct 2019
Deposited08 Nov 2021
Copyright holder© 2020 Elsevier
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