'Martial Arts Crossed Over Into the Rest of My Life': A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Practitioners' Experiences of Martial Arts and Combat Sports on Wellbeing.
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| Title: | 'Martial Arts Crossed Over Into the Rest of My Life': A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Practitioners' Experiences of Martial Arts and Combat Sports on Wellbeing. |
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| Authors: | Healey, Gene, Neumann, David, Cornell, Samuel, Piatkowski, Timothy |
| Source: | Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. Jan/Feb2025, Vol. 35 Issue 1, p1-12. 12p. |
| Subjects: | Social constructionism, Psychological resilience, Qualitative research, Respect, Health, Interviewing, Physical fitness centers, Physical training & conditioning, Confidence, Thematic analysis, Aggression (Psychology), Research methodology, Conceptual structures, Martial arts, Individual development, Biopsychosocial model, Discipline of children, Psychosocial functioning |
| Geographic Terms: | Queensland, New South Wales |
| Abstract: | Martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing health and wellbeing amidst growing concerns about noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues. This study explored the lived experiences of practitioners engaged in modern MA&CS, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), to understand how the practice of modern MA&CS impacts individuals biologically, psychologically and socially. Guided by the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and adopting a social constructivism lens, 16 participants aged 28–55 years underwent semi‐structured interviews, exploring the physiological, psychological and social dimensions of their engagement in modern MA&CS. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes were developed. The first theme highlighted the role of rigorous training in fostering resilience, discipline and personal growth. The second theme demonstrated how MA&CS builds self‐confidence, reduces aggression and encourages prosocial behaviour. Lastly, the third theme underscored the importance of gym environments in fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and belonging. Modern MA&CS training transcends the gym offering a unique framework that promotes biopsychosocial wellbeing through resilience, confidence and community connection. Modern MA&CS holds potential for educational, therapeutic and community interventions aimed at fostering holistic wellbeing across diverse contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing health and wellbeing amidst growing concerns about noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues. This study explored the lived experiences of practitioners engaged in modern MA&CS, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), to understand how the practice of modern MA&CS impacts individuals biologically, psychologically and socially. Guided by the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and adopting a social constructivism lens, 16 participants aged 28–55 years underwent semi‐structured interviews, exploring the physiological, psychological and social dimensions of their engagement in modern MA&CS. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes were developed. The first theme highlighted the role of rigorous training in fostering resilience, discipline and personal growth. The second theme demonstrated how MA&CS builds self‐confidence, reduces aggression and encourages prosocial behaviour. Lastly, the third theme underscored the importance of gym environments in fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and belonging. Modern MA&CS training transcends the gym offering a unique framework that promotes biopsychosocial wellbeing through resilience, confidence and community connection. Modern MA&CS holds potential for educational, therapeutic and community interventions aimed at fostering holistic wellbeing across diverse contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10529284 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/casp.70035 |
