Personality Traits in Martial Artists: A Descriptive Approach

Abstract

This paper reviews the findings of four studies of selected personality traits of martial artists. Item analysis was used for descriptive purposes and applied to responses to the Buss-Durkee Hostiliry Inventory used in one of them. This yielded suspicion as an active factor for 152 karate students. Groups at intermediate ranks showed a greater variety of hostile modes of expression than either beginner or advanced groups. Assault items were not popular in the group as a whole. Evidence supports both cathartic and circular theories of aggression. Internal validity of scales was determined. The implications of the findings are discussed and the possible contributing influence of physical activity, meditation, and self-defense are considered.