Science/Economics paper by Szabó, Péter and Joe Petersburger
Institute of Transdisciplinary Discoveries/Medical School/University of Pécs

Assertiveness, Aggression, and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Participants in Hungary (Accepted)

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
The therapeutic properties of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have already been documented. Sports are generally a helpful tool during therapeutic processes. The aim of this study was to compare the values of a group practicing BJJ to those of a group practicing other sports and a group not practicing sports at all, in order to determine whether BJJ would show significant results. Our study focused on assertiveness, emotion regulation difficulties, and aggression,
all of which have serious implications for the prevention, healing, and reintegration of PTSD patients.

Materials and Methods:
All the used self-report tests had high psychometric and internal reliability. For statistical data analysis, we used Jamovi and one-way ANOVA variance analysis to compare the groups. After calculating Cronbach's Alpha, homogeneity, and normality test, we used Fisher's test (assumed equal variances). To check significance Tukey post hoc test was used.
Results:
Our measurement was based on two years of sports participation in an organized club setting, which was utilized to compare the results. No significant differences in difficulties in emotion regulation, aggression, and assertiveness scores were found between the non-athlete, athlete, and BJJ groups. It is also important to note that we do not know to what extent the level of aggression changed
in the representatives of which sport, this factor could only be controlled by a separate input measure.

Conclusion:
Although the measurements look promising, based on the current sample, no significant differences in our measurements were found, and more research into the psychological factors around BJJ is suggested.



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Péter Szabó is doing his Masters in Physical Education and English major.

Joe Petersburger is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Pécs, Medical School, Hungary. He is involved in several research topics, such as sports sciences.