An exploration of the emotional experience of BASE jumping : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree : Master of Psychology from Massey University, School of Psychology

Abstract

BASE jumping is an extreme sport, where participants parachute from fixed objects and deploy a parachute to land safely. According to the current injury and fatality statistics, it is regarded as the most dangerous sport in the world. The level of danger suggests that participants have to negotiate strong emotional experiences in the sport. The aim of this study is to explore the emotions that BASE jumpers experience and determine what role and impact these emotions may play for participants. Twenty male BASE jumpers with at least 10 jumps and 3 months of participation in the sport were interviewed for the study. Qualitative (thematic) analysis was undertaken to analyse the BASE jumping experience. Participants reported intense emotional experiences that predominantly emerged as fear, flow and thrill states. A number of threats associated with these emotions were identified. The experience of fear may become normalised, whilst flow and thrill may lead to an escalation of risk taking in the pursuit of the rush experience. Conflicting feelings create emotional dissonance which also influences coping styles and rationalisation strategies. This may impact risk taking behaviour, judgement and decision making. Outcomes from the study may enhance greater knowledge of psychological processes that impact risk and safety behaviours in the sport.