Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres

Sophie Ann Alexander; Timothy Hopper

doi:10.29333/ajqr/17235

Sophie Ann Alexander ¹ ^* , Timothy Hopper ²

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, pp. 255-286

https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

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Abstract

Despite growing interest in rock climbing research, little is known about its health benefits from the perspective of climbers themselves. This qualitative study used photovoice, a participatory method where participants selected photographs to reflect on the significance of climbing in their lives. Additionally, a confessional tale was integrated as a reflective postscript, offering insight into the researcher’s journey, and highlighting the dilemmas, tensions, and ethical or methodological challenges encountered throughout the process. Virtual and in-person focus groups were conducted, and photographs and narratives from nine rock climbers were analyzed, with pseudonyms used for privacy. Through thematic analysis five key themes emerged: (1) social connection, (2) shared adventure, (3) psychological skill development, (4) emotional regulation, and (5) full-circle moments. The findings support rock climbing’s potential as a therapeutic tool for mental health and well-being, warranting further investigation by both practitioners and researchers. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the benefits of rock climbing, emphasizing its potential as a holistic approach that improves mental health, physical well-being, and community engagement.

Keywords: Community, Confessional Tale, Photovoice, Rock Climbing, Well-being

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Citation

Alexander, S. A., & Hopper, T. (2025). Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 9(4), 255-286. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

Alexander, S. A., and Hopper, T. (2025). Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 9(4), pp. 255-286. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

Alexander SA, Hopper T. Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2025;9(4), 255-286. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

Alexander, Sophie Ann, and Timothy Hopper. "Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2025 9 no. 4 (2025): 255-286. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

Alexander, Sophie Ann et al. "Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 9, no. 4, 2025, pp. 255-286. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235

Alexander SA, Hopper T. Climbers’ Insights on the Health Benefits of Their Sport: Combining Photovoice and Confessional Tale Genres. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2025;9(4):255-86. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/17235