Changes in Emotional States Before and After Risk Taking in Scuba Diving

Abstract

The notion of risk-taking implies a cognitive process that determines the level of risk involved in a particular activity or task. This risk appraisal process gives rise to emotional responses, including anxious arousal and changes in mood, which may play a significant role in risk-related decision making. This study examines how emotional responses to the perceived risk of a scuba-diving injury contribute to divers’ behavior, as well as the ways that risk taking or non-risk taking behavior, in turn, affects emotional states. The study sample consisted of 131 divers (risk takers and non-risk takers), who either had or had not been in a previous diving accident. Divers’ emotional states were assessed immediately prior to diving, as well as immediately following a dive. Results indicated presence of subjective emotional experiences that are specific to whether a risk has been perceived and whether a risk has been taken. Important differences in emotion regulation were also found between divers who typically take risks and those who do not.

Personality, Affectivity, and Alexithymia in Scuba Diving: Two Types of Risk Taking

“…The factors motivating an athlete's behavior may allow us to differentiate simple participation in a risky sport activity from risk-taking behavior in that activity (e.g., failing to consider the consequences of one's actions, underestimating danger). One can also distinguish between different forms of risk taking according to whether the activity involves direct (short-term) or indirect (long-term or delayed) exposure to danger (Bonnet, Fernandez, Piolat & Pedinielli, 2008;Michel, Purper-Ouakil, & Mouren-Siméoni, 2002).…”

“…Temperament researchers have begun examination of the psycho-affective components of risk-taking behavior and the links between these behaviors and emotion regulation (Bonnet, Fernandez, Piolat, & Pedinielli, 2008). Due to its association with neuroticism (David, Green, Martin, & Suls, 1997), affectivity (particularly when it is negative) has been seen primarily as a contributor to risky behavior (Auerbach, Abela, & Ho, 2007;Cooper, Agocha, & Sheldon, 2000).…”

Psychological Aspects of Diving in Selected Theoretical and Research Perspectives

“…Współzależność ta wiąże się również z indywidualnym doświadczeniem w nurkowaniu. Brak wcześniejszej praktyki nurkowej przyczynia się do obniżenia progu odporności emocjonalnej w wodzie [26].…”

“…This correlation is moreover associated with an individual diving experience. A lack of previous diving practice contributes to the lowering of the threshold of emotional resilience in water [26].…”

Introduction, comprehensive approach, and vision for the future

“…In the second study, Bonnet et al (2008) used diving to examine the influence of emotions on risk-related decision-making as well as the way risk-taking behavior influences emotions. Risktakers were found to experience higher positive states and lower negative states than non-risktakers, both before and after a dive, and those positive emotions drove their risk-taking behavior during the dive.…”