The Self-Reported Aggressiveness of Thai Boxers, Soccer Players, and Tennis Players

Jegher, Ladina C.; Bertrams, Alex; Englert, Chris (2017). The Self-Reported Aggressiveness of Thai Boxers, Soccer Players, and Tennis Players. Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie, 24(4), pp. 155-160. Hogrefe 10.1026/1612-5010/a000201

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In the media coverage, the potential to facilitate aggressiveness was attributed to Thai boxing. However, in a recently published qualitative study, kickboxers described themselves as refusing and avoiding violence. While the cognitive-neoassociation theory postulates a negative relationship between martial arts and aggression, the catharsis-hypothesis assumes that participating in martial arts may actually reduce aggression. The aim of the present study was to determine the self-reported aggressiveness of Thai boxers relative to athletes from two established sports (soccer and tennis). For that purpose, 114 male athletes in the city of Bern participated in a survey using a standardized aggressiveness scale. Thai boxers reported significantly higher general aggressiveness scores than soccer and tennis players. This was particularly due to higher scores on the subscale physical aggression. Soccer and tennis players did not significantly differ in their aggressiveness scores. The use of meditation techniques during Thai boxing training may help to reduce aggressiveness.

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