Year: 2026
Type: study-registration
Abstract: eview question / Objective To evaluate the effect (positive or negative) of Martial Arts training on the modulation of aggression levels and the development of social behavior among adolescents, and to propose a framework for differentiating Martial Arts from other sports practices as well as non-practice.Rationale Aggression is conceptualized as a forceful, goal-directed action (verbal or physical) and is typically categorized into two forms: hostile (reactive) and instrumental.Hostile aggression is primarily motivated by the goal of inflicting harm or pain (reactive), while instrumental aggression is premeditated and driven by the attainment of an external goal (proactive).Martial Arts (MA), although originally from Asia, now represent a global system that integrates physical combat with philosophy and tradition, distinguishing them from general physical exercise.They are commonly initiated to develop self-regulation skills, manage aggressive impulses, provide self-defense, enhance physical proficiency, and mitigate fear responses.However, sub-disciplines vary (striking for speed/precision vs. grappling for strength/ endurance).The fundamental inquiry remains whether martial arts promote self-control and reduce aggression, or endorse violence, necessitating comparative studies across MA practitioners, combat sports practitioners, other sports practitioners, and non-practitioners. Condition being studiedThe investigation aims to study the chronic regulatory effect of prolonged Martial Arts practice on various levels of psychological competencies in adolescents, specifically, examining the reduction of reactive and proactive aggression, hormonal reactivity (e.g., aggression and self-esteem), and cognitive measures (e.g., inhibition, flexibility, processing speed, and attention).Furthermore, the research aims to identify the cultural and identity factors that distinguish martial arts from other sports practices and to assess their role in adolescents' psychological and character development beyond physiological growth.
Institution: Universidade Politécnica de Lisboa
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7127638245