A system's approach to examining rock climbers' motivations for participating in the sport of rock climbing: Applicability of the theory of artistic obsession

This study explored from a systems interview approach rock climbers' motivations for climbing, and assessed the applicability of Assoun's (1994) theory of artistic obsession to rock climbing, by examining whether some climbers, like some artists, are motivated by underlying unmet needs or obsessions. Data was collected from 22 intermediate to advanced level rock climbers using a semi-structured interview, and interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis (Thorne, 2000). It was found that climbers satisfied and/or sought to satisfy many fundamental needs through climbing. These needs were identified from the interviews, and mechanisms by which climbing may have helped fulfill them were proposed. Certain participants were found to have motivational patterns that were consistent with the theory of artistic obsession, verifying the applicability of this theory to rock climbing. Implications for climbers and sports professionals are discussed.