A structural model exploring gender differences in perceived constraints to competition climbing

Abstract

Competition climbing has recently been thrust into the spotlight with its integration into the Olympics starting in 2020. A growing body of research has focused on the leisure experience of competition climbing and has indicated that it may be a unique setting in which gendered constraints manifest differently than previously understood. The current study seeks to continue building our understanding of leisure constraints by focusing on perceived constraints of competition climbers. Using a questionnaire adapted from White’s (2008) structural model of leisure constraints, members of USA Climbing were invited to share their experiences related to competition climbing (n = 729). The results indicate that women indicated higher levels of motivation (β = .140, p = .001, SE = 0.027) and perceived no difference in constraints to competition climbing (β = −.023, p = .379, SE = 0.046). These findings have implications for our understanding of leisure constraints and the potential gender inclusivity of particular adventure sports.