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Self-Determination Strategy in Mountaineering: Collecting Colorado’s Highest Peaks

Abstract This qualitative study elucidates motives and psychological outcomes of engaging in mountaineering, defined as climbing mountains, trekking, and hiking. Specific activities for completing all 54 Colorado Fourteeners (peaks above 14,000 feet [4,267 meters]) entail long-term nature exposure, incorporating goal orientation. The well-being potential of this goal was examined with respect to the basic psychological needs and organismic integration subtheories of self-determination theory. Data from semi-structured interviews, participant artifacts, and ten years of archived letters were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Goal completion required competence, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation. Relatedness was illustrated through interpersonal relationship, nature connection, and place attachment, indicating that relatedness needs in mountaineering are also met through nonhuman connection. Landscapes above treeline on Fourteeners were highlighted for their importance in place attachment. Finishers experienced persistent positive affect from achieving the goal, contributing to well-being.