Are Skydivers a Homogenous Group? Analysis of Features of Temperament, Sensation Seeking, and Risk Taking

Abstract

Skydiving, a so-called risky sport, has become a more and more accessible and popular form of recreation. The question arises whether it attracts people of common psychological constitution. The aim of the study described in this article was to determine whether parachutists are a homogenous group in the sense of temperament features, need for stimulation, and risk. The research involved 143 parachutists (98 men and 45 women) between 17 and 49 years old, including 73 beginners with not more than 10 jumps and 70 advanced parachutists who had at least 100 jumps and qualifications to practice skydiving without the supervision of an instructor. In the research, the following questionnaires were applied: Formal Characteristics of Behavior–The Temperament Inventory of Zawadzki and Strelau (1997), Sensation Seeking Scale of Zuckerman (1979), the Multifactorial Scale of Risky Behaviors of Studenski (2006), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger et al. (1983), and the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology Mood Adjective Check List of Matthews, Chamberlain, and Jones (1990). Cluster analysis identified 3 groups of parachutists, which we label risk avoiders, sensation seekers, and moderates. These 3 groups differ significantly in terms of all diagnosed constant psychical properties, mood, and the level of anxiety before and after a jump.

Parachutists are a heterogeneous group, differing significantly in terms of the temperament features needed for sensation and risk taking. This suggests that their motives for engagement in the activity connected with risk are different. Recognition of these features in the process of training and subsequent individualization of training could limit the risk of accidents during parachute jumps.