TO YOUR LIMITS AND BEYOND


University Lecturer researches psychological functioning in extreme conditions.


Lecturer in Sport Psychology, Dr Nathan Smith’s research interests centre on the motivational processes that underpin sport and physical activity participation, the promotion of psychological health and the development of resiliency and coping.


In March 2016, Nathan will be embarking on the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition, which sets sail from the Argentinian port of Ushuaia – a town nicknamed ‘the end of the world’. Nathan shares with us some of his most recent research and explains what this incredible expedition will entail.


“‘Why Bother Leaving The House?’ was the title of a TED talk given in 2012 by the polar explorer, Ben Saunders. In the talk, Saunders tried to explain the benefits of spending time outside of the house. It was this that first got me truly interested in the psychological benefits of adventure and exploration.


Colleagues and I have since been lucky enough to collaborate with Ben Saunders on a research project examining the psychological dynamics involved in his most recent expedition, aptly named The Scott Expedition. We are currently in the process of conducting a narrative enquiry case study into Saunders’ successful attempt to walk unaided from the edge of Antarctica and back again (I stress the back again part!)


The Scott Expedition journey retraced the footsteps of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, one of the eminent explorers of the Edwardian era. The achievement of Saunders and his compatriot Tarka L’Herpiniere rank amongst the greatest feats of human endeavour ever recorded. In total, the pair walked the equivalent of 70 marathons back-to-back pulling their food and supplies in sledges (otherwise known as man- hauling) that weighed over 200kg, in temperatures anywhere in the region of -50 degrees Celsius. In the process they were starving, lost a third of their body weight, and placed themselves under incredible amounts of stress.


At first, it might seem counter-intuitive to suggest that this type of extreme challenge could foster any type of health- enhancing or psychological benefits. However, an article written by Professor Peter Suedfeld entitled ‘Homo Invictus: The Indomitable Species’ shines a light on the incredible


resilience of the human race. Over the years, Suedfeld and colleagues have continuously shown that human beings can endure and overcome the most extreme of circumstances, and despite the challenges associated with such expeditions, report an array of health-enhancing or adaptive psychological responses.


In our current research and planned future studies, we are exploring the impact of adventure and exploration on a variety of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. There is compelling evidence to suggest that venturing out of the house, getting out of your comfort zone, and encountering stressful situations such as those experienced by Ben Saunders, can promote psychological health. Based on our current lines of research, we should at the very least be able to offer an answer to the question ‘why bother leaving the house?’


In March 2016, I will join a group of 24 others on the Leadership on the Edge programme led by famous explorer Robert Swan. The amateur expedition members and I will spend more than two weeks together, in sub-zero temperatures that can get as low as -25 degrees Celsius. The group will sail across the Drake Passage and across to the Antarctic Peninsula where we will disembark at several points along the coast.


I will assess the international group on a number of psychological factors. Prior to the expedition participants will fill out surveys assessing personality, personal values, motivations to participate and typical coping strategies used in challenging situations.” (Article continued overleaf).


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28