Psychological transformation of the ‘self’ towards eco-sensitivity through high-risk nature-based sports : a South African context

Abstract

Mindless actions in the form of environmentally degrading behaviour constantly threaten the sustainability of healthy ecosystems. In this paper, the intrinsic value of strengthening the bond between humanity and nature through high-risk nature-based sports participation is explored. This interpretative phenomenological analytical study considers lived experiences of 10 skilled South African high-risk nature-based sports participants who take calculated risks through precautionary measures. Participant’s activities are performed in the wilderness in isolation from civilisation with minimal availability of human and medical resources in case of an emergency, which give rise to the term ‘high-risk.’ Phenomenological traditions from Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty navigate a hermeneutical understanding of theirbodily-being-towards-death. Evidence of meaningful psychological transformation towards an eco-sensitivity by way of high-risk nature-based sports participation is analysed, through first-hand narratives via semi-structured interviews. The sensitizing process of the ‘self’ can be effectively articulated in the synchronous relationship between the Eigenwelt, Mitwelt and Umwelt.