2022, Volume 18
Effects of martial arts and combat sports on aggressive behaviours and its applicability to educational purposes: a systematic review
David Lindell-Postigo1, Paula Silva2, Félix Zurita-Ortega3, María Luisa Zagalaz-Sánchez4
1Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Jaén, Málaga, Spain
2Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
4Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
Author for correspondence: David Lindell-Postigo; Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Jaén, Málaga, Spain; email: dlp00017@red.ujaen.es
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Nowadays, aggressive behaviours have become more and more frequent in society, so finding ways to reduce and control them becomes essential, and martial arts might be a useful tool to achieve it. In this line, this study aims is knowledge about the effects martial arts and combat sports have on those behaviours to educational purposes.
Material and Methods: Through a systematic review in databases (i.e. PsycInfo, Web of Science, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center and ScienceDirect), authors searched the related terms of aggression and violence along with martial arts and combat sports.
Results: Forty articles comprised the sample for further analysis. Cross-sectional designs accounted for 60% (n = 24), longitudinal designs accounted for 20% (n = 8), systematic reviews accounted for 12.5% (n = 5) and meta-analysis accounted for 7.5% (n = 3). Regarding the samples, 55% of the studies were conducted over a population of children or juveniles (n = 22).
Conclusions: Despite some research affirm the contrary, martial arts/combat sports are agreed to have a reduction-effect on aggressive behaviours and a buffer-effect on gender-based differences, regardless of the discipline.
Key words: neo-gladiator, contact sport, child, aggressiveness, adolescent, social psychology, violence