Adventure Psychology : Going Knowingly into the Unknown

In recent years a new set of psychological principles has emerged from research investigating adventure and adventurous activities. Adventure involves a special type of physical activity in natural contexts where participants voluntarily participate in experiences where the environment and activity are challenging, perhaps dangerous and potentially life threatening. To go on an adventure is to participate in an enduring event requiring sustainable effort, where effective performance is measured not only by success but also by survival. This book brings together the emerging literature in ‘Adventure Psychology’ that supports enduring performance and wellbeing.

The first section examines sustaining performance and wellbeing. The second section studies the transformative aspect of adventure. Adventure Psychology is of use in everyday life and the techniques and understandings can help people and business prepare for the future. This book will help us all thrive despite adversity, volatility and uncertainty.

Written for researchers this book will also be useful for trainers, educators and students of sport, performance and organisational psychology as well as adventurers and endurance athletes. Adventure Psychology is designed to meet the needs of specialists across a variety of fields but importantly also to be accessible and applicable for those wanting to live life fully ― to realise our full potential.

Paula Reid has a Batchelor of Education (Hons) degree and graduated with a Distinction MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London. Her organisation, ‘Adventure Psychology’, delivers the performance psychology of how to survive, cope and thrive during challenging times. She is based in the UK and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Eric Brymer is a behavioural scientist who specialises in researching the psychology of adventure experiences, performance in extreme environments and the reciprocal nature of health and wellbeing from nature-based experiences. He holds a PhD in Adventure Psychology, a Master’s degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology and postgraduate degrees in Education and Business. Eric works with and advises governments and institutional departments. He also holds research positions in health, exercise and outdoor studies in Europe, UK and Australia.