Abstract:
Although classified as an extreme sport, recreational scuba diving differs substantially from other
forms of extreme sport. As a result, several researchers have theorized that scuba divers would
display unique personality traits but little research has thus far been conducted regarding the
issue. Previous investigations tended to group participants of different types of extreme sports
together before conducting personality studies. The aim of the present study was to explore
which personality traits are prevalent amongst recreational scuba divers. In order to control for
extraneous variables such as the level of proficiency in scuba diving and the interrelation
between individuals and their natural environment, it was decided to include entry-level divers
from the same geographical area in the sample. Sixty divers participated in the study. A
personality questionnaire, the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire Part I, was administered. Sten
scores were used as units of analysis. Frequency tables revealed high scores on self-sufficiency,
boldness and impulsivity and low scores on conformity, warmth and sensitivity. The findings
indicated that divers’ personality traits differ from what the literature indicated to be typical of
the extreme athlete’s personality profile. An exploratory factor analysis was performed and four
personality types, namely the adventurer, the rationalist, the dreamer and the passive-aggressive
macho diver were identified. The results suggested that the amount of high-risk behaviour
displayed by the diver would be dependent upon his/her personality type.
