The problem of conducting an analysis of extreme sports focused only on the risk that its practitioners run, without analysing other dimensions, is a bias that I cannot afford. In sports practice, very positive qualities such as discipline, will, camaraderie, respect, among others, are promoted.
As has been said, it can be a very functional practice for people with certain personality traits such as impulsivity and sensation seeking. It can be a useful tool for managing negative emotions, especially for many young people who have developed an addiction or are at risk.
An exploratory study published in 2019 in Frontiers in Psychology offers a very interesting analytical perspective. Their findings suggest that participation in extreme sports, while inherently risky, has psychological benefits that range from evoking positive emotions, building resilience and life skills, to cultivating a strong affinity and connection with nature and the natural environment. I think these issues are worth reflecting on.
Happy week!