Work

It's just how we do it: social processes in rapid weight loss for combat sports

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: = 7 participants in non-professional UK Thai boxing (Muay Thai), in order to elucidate the socio-cultural and social-psychological processes relating to these behaviours. Four themes were identified: One-upmanship; Setting and conforming to expectations; Self-directed preparation; and Subversion of RWL controls. These themes describe how RWL is learned, rewarded, magnified, often unmitigated, and inherently difficult to restrict. Contrary to suggestions in past research, participant accounts highlight how fighters may aggressively cut weight at lower levels of the sport where health-related interventions are harder to implement.

Source: Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2433517

Authors: Susan J. Wilbraham, David Elliott, Paul K. Miller

Institution: University of Cumbria

Language: English

Topic: Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165