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
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6434167 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gene Healey (School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia), David L Neumann (0000-0001-5400-462X, Griffith University), David Neumann (0000-0002-5705-9113, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia), Samuel Cornell (0000-0003-4944-7826, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia), Timothy Piatkowski (0000-0002-6177-0266, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University Gold Coast Queensland Australia, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2025-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1052-9284 • E-ISSN: 1099-1298 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/casp.70035 |
| OpenAlex | W4406248199 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 76 |
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
Biopsychosocial model · Facilitator · Martial arts · Mental health · Political science · Prosocial behavior · Psychological resilience · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · The arts · Thematic analysis · Visual arts · Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education · Psychology · Social Psychology · Sport Psychology and Performance · Sports injuries and prevention
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |