Risk taking behavior and interpersonal relationship of adrenaline junkies: A qualitative study

Pages: 384-391
Maria Aziz (Department of Clinical Psychology, Kinnaird College, Lahore, Pakistan )
Sumaira Rashid (Department of Applied Psychology, Kinnaird College, Lahore, Pakistan )

The present study was carried out to investigate the reasons behind risk taking behavior and interpersonal relationship of adrenaline junkies. Grounded theory method of data analysis was used. The sample included eight people from three cities, i.e., Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It consisted of one mountain climber, one person with extreme hobbies, a person who does paragliding and five one wheeling bikers. Interviews were conducted through Skype due to the long distance. Differences as well as similarities were found among them. Four reasons behind risk taking behavior were reported, i.e., happiness, excitement, pleasure, company of friends/siblings, irreplaceable experience and the last reason was; “it’s a hobby”. These factors act as such a strong positive reinforcement for them that they risk their lives to seek bodily sensations caused by them. Interpersonal relations were normal other than arguments with parents regarding extreme activity. It was found that they were less concerned about dying and didn’t want to stop doing it despite all the hate speech and condemn they received from the society and their own parents. They were quite comfortable while saying that they would choose extreme sport over loved one if choice will be given.