Reaching the summit : what is the lived experience of six Maltese mountain climbers?

Abstract

The research question to this study is, "Reaching the Summit: What is the lived experience of Six Maltese Mountain Climbers?". Through this qualitative study I will attempt to gain insight on the psychological aspects and realities of an extreme sport such as climbing, done in extreme altitudes and conditions. I will also attempt to extract the essential features and essence of such an experience, through the direct information and knowledge of the people who embraced such challenge. My main concern and priority in this study will be my participants and their stories. This study will tackle a topic, which has never been researched locally before. I hope through my exploration into this phenomenon I will shed more light about the experience of humans who test to the extreme their physical and mental strength enduring harsh realities, so as to reach a goal.