| The purpose of this study was to address four questions regarding personality characteristics common to individuals who participate in high risk leisure activities: (1) Is there a significant difference between the personality characteristics of leisure risk takers and the personality characteristics of the general population? (2) Is there a significant difference among SCUBA divers, skydivers, rock climbers, and general population norms for each of the 16 personality factors to be investigated? (3) Is there a significant difference between male and female SCUBA divers, skydivers, and rock climbers for each of the 16 personality factors to be investigated? (4) Is there a significant difference between the females of each risk group as well as the males of each group for each of the 16 personality factors to be investigated?;In order to accomplish this, the researcher used two instruments--the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF), and a demographic questionnaire. The 16 PF was used to measure 16 personality characteristics of SCUBA divers, rock climbers, and skydivers in San Antonio, Texas. The demographic questionnaire gathered data on age, income, gender, education, training, and accidents experienced or witnessed during participation.;Based upon the data gathered by the researcher, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Identification of personality characteristics would be critical to the leisure counselor to appropriately guide prospective participants into activities in which they could sustain safe and rewarding participation. (2) There are identifiable personality characteristics of individuals who sustain participation in each risk sport. (3) It can be concluded from the personality profiles that specific characteristics stand participants in good stead. (4) Adult educators and leisure counselors can adjust training programs to meet the participants' needs as identified in the 16 PF. (5) Adult educators can utilize these findings to identify personality characteristics that would ensure safe "team participation" and to identify participants that could put others at risk. |
