The relevance of the peak experience to continued skydiving participation: a qualitative approach to assessing motivations

Abstract

A qualitative paradigm was used to determine the relevance of the peak experience as a factor of continued involvement in skydiving participation. Data sets from the literature, an interview process, and personal documents were collected, coded, analysed and interpreted for the purpose of understanding the nature of the skydiving experience. The research, which indicated the frequency and signi cance of a 'peak experience' to skydivers, provided an insight into the nature of the skydiving experience and the signi cance and importance of the experiential component for continued participation. The three sources of data relating to the skydiving experience provided a similarity across all respondents to such a degree that it was possible to conclude that a 'peak experience' was a common experience among veteran skydivers. So rewarding was the peak that it represented the most important factor explaining why veteran skydivers continued to jump.

Sudden Withdrawal from Skydiving: A Case Study Informed by Reversal Theory's Concept of Protective Frames

“…The present study is a qualitative research study (e.g., Hudson & Walker, 2002;Lipscombe, 1999;Males, Kerr, & Gerkovich, 1998). It involved a single case study approach and an in-depth interview with a female athlete about her motivational experience during skydiving and her sudden withdrawal from the sport following a fatal accident involving a fellow skydiver and friend.…”

“…During free-fall, skydivers often carry out maneuvers into predetermined formations with colleagues as they hurtle towards earth at speeds that can reach a velocity of 100 mph. This usually means about one minute of "working time" during free-fall before the main parachute is released (Lipscombe, 1999). Although skydivers also pack a reserve chute in case the main chute fails during their descent, a malfunction of the main chute would most likely cause the protective frame to fail (at least temporarily) by triggering a paratelic-to-telic reversal in most skydivers.…”

Student participation in sporting activities

“…However, Rodgers (1977) Unsurprisingly, psychology has been influential in helping to explain sport participation. Several authors have highlighted the importance of sport in generating psychological well-being through stimulation (Scitovsky, 1976), so-called 'peak experiences' (Lipscombe, 1999), feelings of control (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975) and the desire to emulate sporting heroes. Additionally, perception of sport and of one's participation in it can be important.…”

The personal and social benefits of airplane piloting as a serious leisure activity for women.

“…Studies of skydiving (Celsi, Rose, Leigh. 1993;Laurendeau, 2006;Laurendeau and Van Brunschot, 2006;Lipscombe, 1999;Price and Bundesen, 2005) are framed by serious leisure theory's concepts of commitment, unique ethos, and personal durable benefits, as well as the concepts of risk negotiation rooted in Lyng's theory of edgework (Lyng, 1990). This is also true of several risk-, action-, and skill-intensive leisure activities such as rock climbing (Llewellyn and Sanchez, 2008), surfing (Diehm and Armatas, 2004), and motorcycling (Roster, 2007).…”

“…91,2010). Participants in other unique serious leisure pursuits, such as skydiving (Celsi, Rose, and Leigh, 1993;Laurendeau, 2006;Laurendeau and Van Brunschot, 2006;Lipscombe, 1999;Price and Bundesen, 2005) and deep sea diving (Hunt, 1995) obtain certification through non-governmental organizations and are not subject to strict governmental regulations.…”