Year of Award
2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Degree Name
Communication Studies
Department or School/College
Communication Studies
Committee Chair
Dr. Greg Larson
Commitee Members
Dr. Joel Iverson, Dr. Sarah Halvorson
Keywords
risk, identity, outdoor adventure sports, place, mountains
Subject Categories
Organizational Communication
Abstract
This study explores the various discursive resources influencing the identities of outdoor adventure athletes, specifically in regard to risk taking behaviors. The qualitative analysis reported here relied on participants’ accounts on how they understood themselves, specifically as outdoor adventure athletes. Interviewees had the opportunity to reflect on their identities when they were asked questions about their experiences in their sports. Discourse was the means to both develop and express understanding of their identities. Results indicate that personal relationships and mountain environments were perceived to have a major influence on both identity and risk taking. These influences emerged through the processes of identity work athletes engaged in while participating in their sports. Ultimately, having an identity as an outdoor adventure athlete potentially means that outdoor adventure athletes are more likely to take risks than others.
Recommended Citation
Cleveland, Mira, "Understanding the Relationship Between Discursive Resources and Risk-Taking Behaviors in Outdoor Adventure Athletes " (2019). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers.
Included in
© Copyright 2019 Mira Ione Cleveland