Aggression, perceived injury risk, and actual injury in combat sports and martial arts

Abstract

Problem statement: The role of sports, particularly combat sports, in controlling aggression and shaping prosocial behaviors in young people remains unclear. The relationship between aggression, perceived risk of injury, and injury in combat sports and martial arts has been largely overlooked. Approach: A cross-sectional research design utilizing surveys and interviews was employed in this investigation. Purpose: This study aimed to explore aggression levels and perceptions of injury likelihood across combat sports, considering factors such as gender, skill level, performance, and injury status. Results: One hundred six combat sports athletes in fencing (n = 28), judo (n = 32), taekwondo kyorugi (n = 26), and poomsae (n = 17), with the mean age of 20.71 (SD = 1.49) and mean competition years of 7.64 (SD = 4.49), completed the Competitive Anger and Aggressiveness Scale. No significant differences were found between combat sports teams in anger, aggressiveness, total aggression, and perceived risk of injury. However, the males reported higher scores in aggressiveness (H (105) = 5.40, p = .02). When grouped into higher and lower aggression, the higher aggression group perceived a higher likelihood of getting injured during the season (H (1) = 5.68, p = .017). Injured athletes were also higher in the aggressiveness subscale compared to their uninjured counterparts (H (1) = 5.40, p = .02). Conclusion: Participation in combat sports such as judo, taekwondo, kyorugi, and poomsae, where respect and other ethical values are emphasized, is not likely to increase aggression in practitioners, hence, are recommended as a viable arena for developing prosocial values and behavior in young people. Coaches should exercise caution regarding players exhibiting aggressive behavior profiles and prepare to implement intervention strategies for athletes requiring support.