University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ScholarWorks@UARK Theses and Dissertations 8-2018 The Relationship Between Mental Health and Ultra-Running: A Case Study Joshua Justin Cook University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd Part of the Exercise Science Commons, and the Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons Recommended Citation Cook, Joshua Justin, "The Relationship Between Mental Health and Ultra-Running: A Case Study" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 2850. http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2850 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. The Relationship Between Mental Health and Ultra-running: A Case Study A doctoral dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education by Joshua Justin Cook Missouri State University Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies, and Psychology, 2008 Missouri State University Master of Science in Counseling, 2015 August 2018 University of Arkansas This Dissertation is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. _______________________________ Kristin Higgins, Ph.D. Dissertation Chairperson _______________________________ ______________________________ David Christian, Ph.D. Ed Bengtson, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member ______________________________ Paul Blisard, Ed.D. Committee Member ABSTRACT This instrumental case study sought to explore the relationship between ultra-running and mental health through the lived experiences of a single participant who self-identifies as an ultra- runner. Three research questions were used to explore this relationship; how did the individual decide to participate in ultra-running, what aspects of ultra-running impact the participant’s mental health, and how has engaging in ultra-running impacted the participant’s mental health? The case study utilized three semi-structured interviews, two participant observations, video documentary review, and journaling to answer these questions. A thematic analysis of the data revealed four essential themes; 1) Development of participation, 2) Promotes positive mental health practices, 3) Development of self-identity, and 4) Dependency. The case study had three major findings. First, the participant’s journey to being an ultra-runner developed over time. Second, the aspects of ultra-running that impact the participant’s mental health are: 1) The social community it creates, 2) The structure it requires, 3) The experience of physical deprivation, 4) The amount of time spent in nature, 5) The challenge it creates, 6) The physical feeling it creates, and 7) The ability to use it as a platform for gender equity. Finally, the ways ultra-running has impacted the participant’s mental health are: 1) The creation of an identity that revolves around her engagement in ultra-running, 2) The promotion of healthy mental health practices, and 3) Her dependency on ultra-running. The case study concluded that the participant did not begin to engage in ultra-running in response to her mental health needs but as a product of experiences and positive reinforcements in her life, ultra-running has the potential to be very beneficial to a participant’s mental health through a variety of areas in a participant’s life, and engaging in ultra- running can create dependency in an individual when used as a primary coping skill or an essential part of the participant’s identity. ©2018 by J. Justin Cook All Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge Dr. Kristin Higgins for all of the help and support that she gave me through this process. She has been a supportive and positive person who has acted as a guiding light throughout this process. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Ed Bengtson for his time spent with me as I learned and became passionate about qualitative research and case study design. His knowledge and passion for these areas has created a passion for future work in these areas for me. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Paul Blisard for being a mentor and friend throughout my Master’s and Doctoral studies. He has been an inspiration and model of excellence as an educator and counselor. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. David Christian for his friendship, guidance, and passion. He has inspired me to reach for excellence and to always show my passion for counseling, adventure therapy, and teaching. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my participant who was amazing through this case study process. If it were not for you I would not have been able to complete this. Thank you for the openness, honesty, vulnerability, and friendship that you provided through this process. DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis to my family: Suzy, Kaiya, and Cade. You have been the ones who have supported me, loved me, forgiven me, and were patient with me through this entire process. I have had late nights, long trips to other states, and lots of coffee. Through all of my needs, desires, and wants you were all there to support me and to love me. My passion, dedication, and desire for this journey was born through my love of you and was for you. I hope that you will always know that I would move mountains for all of you. I Love you. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ......................................................................................................................................1 Problem Statement ....................................................................................................................1 Purpose Statement ....................................................................................................................1 Research Questions ..............................................................................................................2 Context Overview .....................................................................................................................2 Research Approach ...................................................................................................................4 Data Collection ....................................................................................................................4 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................6 Limitations ...........................................................................................................................7 Researcher’s Perspectives ........................................................................................................7 Researcher’s Assumptions ........................................................................................................7 Rationale and Significance .......................................................................................................8 Definition of Key Terminology ................................................................................................8 Summary ...................................................................................................................................9 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................................10 Literature Review ...................................................................................................................10 Running Benefits ...............................................................................................................10 Ultra-running ......................................................................................................................11 Connection to Nature .........................................................................................................12 Social Connectedness .........................................................................................................13 Impacts of Participating in Ultra-running ..........................................................................15 Exercise Dependency .........................................................................................................19 Theoretical Framework ..........................................................................................................20 Constructivism ...................................................................................................................20 Gestalt Theory ....................................................................................................................21 Personal Impact Statement .....................................................................................................24 Summary .................................................................................................................................24 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................26 Rationale for Research Approach ...........................................................................................26 Rationale for Qualitative Research Design ........................................................................26 Rationale for Case Study Design .......................................................................................27