Magazine Blog on Extreme Skydiver Cites UMaine Research

The Pacific Standard magazine posted a blog that cites research by University of Maine psychology professor William Farthing about risk-takers and daredevils such as extreme skydiver Felix Baumgartner. A 2005 study by Farthing revealed that men who do risky things don’t necessarily impress anyone, until they do something dangerous for altruistic reasons, which at that point elevates them from daredevil to hero status. Baumgartner has been training to become the first person to skydive from a helium balloon 23 miles high, breaking the sound barrier during his free-fall.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756