Evidence Bearing on the Generalizability of Laboratory Findings Relating to High-Altitude Mountaineering

An evaluation of the psychological effects of high-altitude mountaineering was conducted on three subjects before, during, and after their ascent of a 25,600-ft. mountain. The assessment incorporated a battery of cognitive tests within a single-subject design, and the results indicated the absence of an effect. This is contrary to laboratory findings on the stressors involved in mountaineering, such as hypoxia. These have generally been reported as significantly influencing cognitive functioning.