Intrinsic motivation, vitality, and high altitude mountaineering: an analysis of seven case studies
Document Type
Presentation
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Conference proceedings of 8th Annual Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Research Symposium
Location
Snowbird, UT
Publication Date
8-1-2013
Abstract
College adventure leadership programs may involve training students through multi-day expeditions to remote locations to test their physical and psychological performance. In the context of a group-oriented, mountaineering course in a high altitude environment participant's performance level might be a function of motivation level, vitality level, and/or may be influenced by physiological changes occurring during the ascent. The theoretical framework selected for the study was Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET) (Deci & Ryan, 1985b), a sub-theory of Selfdetermination Theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 1985a). CET suggests that an intrinsically motivated activity, if internalized, could be a representation of a participant's inclination to be physically active and to expand his or her capacities and abilities. For mountaineers participating on an expedition, those with higher levels of intrinsic motivation might somewhat influence performance, the level of challenge accepted, or willingness to push through adversity toward achievement of an internalized external goal.
Recommended Citation
Norling JC, Roark MF, Wagner DR, & Montour AK. (2013, August). Intrinsic motivation, vitality, and high altitude mountaineering: an analysis of seven case studies. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 5:145-150. Conference proceedings of 8th Annual Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Research Symposium, Snowbird, UT, November 8-10, 2012.