Psychological profile of Polish skydivers

Psychol Rep. 2011 Feb;108(1):263-73. doi: 10.2466/09.20.PR0.108.1.263-273.

Abstract

To identify personality factors, personal values, time perspective, and attitude toward death of 53 Polish skydivers (M age = 28.4 yr., SD = 9.8) and 59 low-risk sport athletes (controls, M age = 27.3 yr., SD = 5.3), several scales were used. These were the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Schwartz's Value Survey, the Present and Future Time Perspective Questionnaire, and Death Attitude Questionnaire. It was found that skydivers scored higher on Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Hedonism, Stimulation, and Self-direction values, concentration on the present, preferring a fast death, and belief about controlling death in comparison to the control group. Skydivers also scored lower on Tradition, Universalism, and Benevolence values in comparison to the control group.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Exploratory Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology*
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Social Values*
  • Sports / psychology*
  • Time Perception*
  • Young Adult