Personality as a predisposing factor for DCI: A pilot study
| Title | Personality as a predisposing factor for DCI: A pilot study |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2008 |
| Authors | Harding, SA, Gee, P |
| Journal | Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Start Page | 134 |
| Abstract | This study aimed to identify differences in personality characteristics related to Decompression Illness (DCI) in recreational SCUBA divers. A matched control group of 9 divers (without DCI) and research group of 9 divers (with DCI) were recruited. Following a chamber dive (control group), or post-treatment for DCI (research group), three psychometric scales; Locus of Control (LoC), Sensation Seeking Scale, and Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire – Revised (EPQ-R) were administered together with a Diving History Questionnaire and questions on motoring. One significant difference was identified and lay between engine sizes, with those experiencing DCI having cars with larger engines (p < .01). The data were inconsistent with previous research that suggested a relationship between sensation seeking and risk taking. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between diving injury and personality. |