My research interest is primarily related to the different motivation and the experience as well as the handling of emotions in various high-risk sports (HRS) such as climbing, mountaineering, surfing or paragliding. Previous studies have mostly examined the individual differences and motives of these athletes in order to explain their behavior and thus focused on the personal factor. From these studies we know that there is a wide range of motives like sensation seeking, emotion regulation and agenby but also flow, nature experience, freedom or challenge. My research will focus on the situational factor, i.e. the incentives that can be found in the relevant sports, as this approach has been neglected to date. In an initial qualitative study the incentives of mountain sports will be identified. In the further course of the project, dealing with emotions, in particular anxiety, and the strategies used to regulate them will also be investigated. Findings in this regard may also be useful for other (sport) settings.

Current research areas:

• Motives of high-risk athletes  
• Identification of incentives in mountain sports
• Emotion regulation and dealing with anxiety

Applications for summer term 2025 are currently possible. Please send a short letter of motivation with a CV and an overview of previous academic achievements to lisa.hepperle(at)tum.de. Empirical studies are welcome; they can also be integrated into the doctoral project if possible.