The Investigation of Aggression Levels of The Combat Sport Athletes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aggressiveness level of male and female combat sport athletes and the sedentary individuals. This study was designed on cross-sectional research method, which is one of the general survey models. Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Convenient sampling method was conducted, and the sample group of the study was composed of 104 combat sport athletes and 97 sedentary participants. Independent samples t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient test was conducted for statistical analysis. According to the independent samples t-test the physical aggression level of combat sport athletes was significantly higher than the sedentary individuals (p<0.05). Additionally, physical aggression level of female athletes was significantly higher than their sedentary counterparts (p<0.05). In the comparison of the gender difference, the results revealed that sedentary males’ physical aggression level was significantly higher than sedentary females (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between subjects’ aggression level and their age and sports age. The female combat athletes’ higher physical aggression level, when compared to their sedentary counterparts, was the most interesting finding of this study. On the other hand, no significant difference was found between male athletes and their sedentary counterparts, and between male and female combat sport athletes according to their aggression levels. To sum up briefly, it is possible to say that females, who participate in combat sports and consequently who believe that they have gained enough physical power, may show higher physical aggression tendency.