Cave Psychology?

[Gretchen_Karabiners]

You lot seem to love your cave biology and geology and that but is there anyone out there that is interested in caver psychology? I am writing my dissertation on why we should take young girls caving, looking and the gender disparity in all sports, risky play, human connection to the natural world, relational materialism, benefits to personal emotional and social development, posthumanism and evolutionary psychology.

I understand that there are many different aspects of caving that draw different people and that there is little research on any of it. If anyone has any relevant or interesting research I would love to hear about it/be pointed in the direction of where to find it!

 

[Martin Laverty]

There is a sports sociologist called Dr. Kevin Bingham who has written many academic papers and several books on caving and urbex, among other things. He appeared in an earlier thread with a book where, by analysing motivation 'through the joint lens of hermeneutic sociology and sociological hermeneutics' he eventually concludes that underground explorers are 'following the path of the differend to become versed in the arts of sublimation'. En route he visits Lancaster Hole, P8, Giant's Hole, Titan, and Knock Fell Caverns.
I don't think he considered any aspects of female psychology, but quoting his work may get you some brownie points (or into Pseuds Corner?)...

 

[Pegasus]

I don't have any academic information for you, however have strong views on why we should take young women caving.
If anyone wants to conduct any research let me know