Republic of the Philippines

AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY - New Washington Campus

TEACHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - Graduate School - New Washington, Aklan

PE 206 (Sports Psychology/Physiology)

MS. ARGIE T. ABSALON DR. LUCHELYN A. BELTRAN

Discussant Professor

SITUATIONAL FACTOR
AFFECTING AGGRESION

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
• Anderson et al. (1995) suggest that there exists a simple linear relationship between
temperature and aggression.
• Reifman et al. (1991) analyzed archived data from the 1986-88 US baseball seasons
and found a positive correlation between temperature and the number of batters hit by
pitchers in each game.

GAME CIRCUMSTANCES
The Relationship Between League Position and Aggression
 Englehardt (1995) analyzed 4000 game summaries from the US ice hockey league and
found that the higher the team was in the league, the lower the number of penalties.
Frequency of Play and Aggression
 Widmeyer & McGuire (1997) analyzed game statistics for 840 US ice hockey matches.
- Intradivisional matches, in which teams play each other up to eight times, were compared to
interdivisional matches, in which teams meet only three or four times.

DOES SPORT INCREASE OR REDUCE AGGRESSION?

The relationship between sport and aggression is complex, and depends on multiple factors.
But some evidence suggests that sport can reduce aggression, other evidence suggests that it
can teach individuals new aggressive behaviors.

Empirical Evidence on Sport and Aggression

1. Martial Arts Training
- research suggests that martial arts training can reduce assaultive hostility and increase
prosocial behavior, by promoting self-control, discipline, and respect.
2.Athletes vs. non-athletes:
-studies show that there is no significant difference in aggression levels between athletes and
non-athletes, except for physical size.
3.Aggressive sports vs. non-aggressive sports:
-evidence suggests that aggressive sports, such as football or hockey, are more likely to elicit
aggressive behavior than non-aggressive sports, such as swimming or tennis.

Effects on spectators (ex. Wrestling and swimming)

Strategies to reduce aggression

 Punishment
 Catharsis
 Role Modelling
 Anger-Management Groups
Punishment: Learning from Consequences
• Punishment can be an effective tool in tackling athletic aggression.
• The social learning theory suggests that aggressive behavior can be learned and
unlearned through consequences.
• Punishment needs to be prompt, severe, and consistent to outweigh the benefits of
aggression.

Catharsis: Getting It Out of Your System?

• Catharsis refers to the psychological release of tension or emotion.
• Sport itself can be cathartic, but it has short-term effects and may not be enough to
reduce aggression.
• Baron & Byrne (2002)-Vigorous exercise can reduce aggression by reducing physical
tension and feelings of anger - However, exercise may be less satisfying than
aggressive behavior.

Role Modeling: The Power of Examples

• Role modelling is a powerful mechanism for preventing aggressive behaviour in sport, as
it can shape attitudes, values, and emotions.
• Coaches, teachers, and athletes can provide positive and non-aggressive examples for
children to follow.
• The media can play a responsible and ethical role in promoting non-violent and
respectful sport events

Contracting: Committing to Better Behavior

• The coach, psychologist, or other relevant authority should initiate the contracting
process.
• The athlete should be involved in negotiating the terms of the contract, which should be
clear, specific, and realistic.
• Mention Leith's (1991) suggestion for a simple contract, which includes specification of
the behavior to be eliminated, punishment for breaching the contract, rewards for
sticking to the contract, the names and signatures of both parties, and the date.
• The contract should be monitored and evaluated regularly, and adjustments can be
made as needed.

Anger Management: Dealing with Emotions

• Anger is a common emotion in sport, often triggered by frustration, competition, and
pressure.
• Anger can be a normal and adaptive response to perceived threats or challenges.
• The coach, psychologist, or other relevant authority should initiate the referral to an
anger-management group
• The athlete should participate in a structured and supervised group therapy, often led by
a trained therapist or counselor.
• The group should provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing and learning,
and should emphasize the development of specific skills and techniques
• The group should also provide ongoing feedback, reinforcement, and monitoring of
progress.

References:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OxiM4Foj8JU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMzWjNTtPBA
Sports Psychology Book.pdf
https://members.believeperform.com/aggression-in-sport-2/#:~:text=Most%20people%20view
%20aggression%20as,Widmeyer%20%26%20Birch%2C%201984).
https://www.google.com/search?
q=aggression+and+sports+video&rlz=1C1KNTJ_enPH1063PH1063&oq=aggression+and+sport
s+video&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRifBdI
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