Why do people take part in Extreme Sports? USW research unveils surprising motivation

A study at The University of South Wales (USW) is challenging conventional perceptions about what drives individuals to engage in extreme sports. While the popular image of extreme sports participants often revolves around thrill-seeking and adrenaline addiction, Odette Hornby’s research suggests a more complex psychological profile.

Odette, who is conducting her PhD research within the field of sport psychology, was motivated to explore this topic by her personal experiences as a climber.

"What fascinates me about extreme sports is how subjective they are," she explains. "What one person may consider a risky activity, another might see as completely safe, depending on their competence and experience."

Odette’s investigation uncovered five key motivational factors:

Existential and external: Participants described connecting with nature and a feeling free from everyday life, a sense of belonging and desires to push personal limits.

Personality: Some participants were drawn to sensation seeking. Notably, Odette found that many participants use extreme sports as a way to express and regulate emotions - especially those who experience difficulties in identifying and expressing their feelings, a condition known as alexithymia.

Motivation characteristics: Many athletes are motivated by achieving goals, winning competitions, and the belief in their abilities to succeed, which boosts their confidence to take risks and persist through difficulties. Participants often feel a strong sense of control over their activities and find a sense of community with like-minded people.

Managing risk: Participants are often motivated by how they perceive and manage risk. Some athletes are drawn to the thrill of risky situations, finding them exciting rather than something to avoid.

Analogies with addiction: Some people experience mood disturbances, like boredom or unhappiness, when not engaging in extreme sports. This can create a strong urge to continue participating, similar to craving or withdrawal symptoms experienced by those with addictions.

"For many, extreme sports aren't just about the thrill. They offer a way to experience emotions that are otherwise hard to access. This finding challenges the stereotype of extreme sports enthusiasts as ‘adrenaline junkies’ and opens up new avenues for understanding the deeper psychological benefits these activities offer,” she said.

Odette’s research is not just confined to academic circles. Her findings have practical implications, offering insights into how extreme sports can be used therapeutically, particularly for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation. Moreover, her work has broader societal implications by encouraging a re-evaluation of how risk and motivation are perceived in high-stakes environments.

For the next phase of Odette’s research, she is preparing to publish further results from in-depth interviews with high level extreme sports athletes. She aims to explore how motivations change over time, both immediately before, during and after participation in these activities. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what we understand about human motivation and risk perception.