Personality as a predisposing factor for DCI: a pilot study

This study aimed to identify differences in personality characteristics related to decompression illness (DCI) in recreational scuba divers. A matched control group of nine divers (without DCI) and a research group of nine divers (with DCI) were recruited. Following a chamber dive (control group), or treatment for DCI (study group), three psychometric scales - Locus of Control, Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire - Revised, and Sensation Seeking Scale - were administered together with a diving history questionnaire and questions on motoring. One significant difference was identified and lay between engine sizes, with those experiencing DCI having cars with larger engines (P < 0.01). The data were inconsistent with previous research that suggested a relationship between sensation seeking and risk taking. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between diving injury and personality.