Psychological Meanings of Cold Swimming

In recent years, the practice of swimming in cold water has become more common. Walrus Clubs are created, winter swimming competitions are held. However, the status of this activity has not been determined: cold swimming (CS) is not a recognized sport in the Russian Federation. Also, in this area there is no developed conceptual apparatus, no psychological research is carried out. The study of the psychological meanings of CS opens up opportunities for developing psychological recommendations, preventing the formation of dependence on cold water and other adverse consequences of this activity. The purpose of the study is to identify and describe the psychological meanings of CS In accordance with the set goal, the main tasks of the study were identified: Objectives of the pilot study: 1. Analyze domestic and foreign literature on CS and its psychological aspects, as well as related areas of research. 2. To develop and conduct a pilot empirical study of the relationship between CS and the life tasks of the individual. Main research objectives: 3. Based on the results of the pilot study, develop and conduct a basic study of the psychological meanings of CS in order to clarify and deepen their understanding. 4. Create a classification of meanings of CS. 5. Compare the criteria for the formation of addiction (Brown, 1993; Griffiths, 1997) with the individual experience of CS, which was described by the respondents during the interview. 6. Outline the prospects for further research on the psychological aspects of CS based on the results obtained. The study of the psychological meanings of CS includes two stages: 1.2019-2020 Pilot qualitative and quantitative study of the relationship between the life tasks of the individual with CS. Data collection method - questionnaire, data analysis method - qualitative content analysis, N = 126. Results: 6 aspects of CS were identified (emotional, affiliated, behavioral, meaningful, physical, personal). The respondents, whose statements were attributed to the life-meaning aspect, mentioned, basically, only one meaning, which can be a marker of psychological dependence on CS. At this stage, there were insufficient data to assert the presence or absence of a formed dependence on CS. It is necessary to conduct a basic research to clarify and deepen the "primary cut" of meanings, which was obtained as a result of aerobatics, as well as for a more detailed consideration of CS in the context of addiction. 2. 2020-2021, the main qualitative study of the psychological meanings of CS. Data collection method - in-depth semi-structured interview; data analysis method - phenomenological analysis, meaning condensation technique, N = 30. Results: 23 themes, 63 variations and 10 sub-variations were identified. All meanings can be combined thanks to the modern understanding of health, except for one - "Craving for cold water and meeting this need", which does not fit into any aspect of health. The respondents' experience was compared with the criteria for the formation of addiction, a classification of CS meanings was developed, and research prospects were formulated. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the psychological aspects of CS and can be used by winter swimming associations and Walrus Clubs to improve the safety of this practice and reduce the risk of developing dependence on it. Key words: cold swimming, personality psychology, health psychology, meaning, winter swimming, phenonomenological analysis, content analysis.