Catharsis experienced by tennis club participants and its significance

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature and meaning of catharsis experienced by tennis club participants. 6 research participants who had consistently participated in amateur tennis activities for more than three years and had won at least one prize in amateur competitions were selected. As a result, the research participants experienced ‘catharsis through stress relief,’ ‘catharsis through overcoming fear,’ ‘catharsis through a sense of relative superiority,’ ‘catharsis through imitating professional athletes,’ and ‘catharsis through knowledge and belonging.’ In conclusion, this study found that the catharsis experienced by tennis club participants was not simply a joy or stress relief from physical funtion, but a complex mental effect. These results made it possible to rediscover not only the external but also the internal values of sports, and provided an opportunity to understand amateur tennis culture from a multifaceted perspective.