The object of this project is to create a better understanding of adventure as a phenomenon by examining the role of motivation and emotion in risk taking. This paper uses secondary research, embedded in social theory, existential phenomenology and outdoor education, to identify and close the gap pertaining to how individuals deeply connect the world through adventure. Throughout this paper, the social construction of adventure is analyzed in contrast to adventure as a natural phenomenon. This is explored in regards to how one perceives death which has a profound effect on how an individual connects to the world. This creates a platform to analyze motivation and emotion in adventure. The motivations analyzed in this paper range from historical narratives to deeper existential motives. From this paper, one can gain an important understanding of anxiety in decision making as well as authentic and inauthentic adventure. This has the potential to influence how adventure is used and understood in formal and informal outdoor education.
