An Exploration of the Relationship Between Motivation, Adversity Management, and Confidence in Successful Mixed Martial Artists
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Lenzner, Willy
Issue Date
2008
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study focused on the relationship between motivation, adversity management, and self-confidence in successful mixed martial artists. For the purpose of the study 'success' denoted a greater than 50% winning percentage in participant competitions. A review of the literature around this topic revealed a significant amount of information. Motivation, adversity management, and self-confidence are believed to support athlete success, and each has been examined in how their roles can influence athletic participation (Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996; Miller & Carlyle, 1992). Four male and three female participants were interviewed using an in-depth, open-ended, and semi-structured approach following a Grounded Theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). Results suggested that a cyclical relationship existed among the three psychological factors, and that a continuous interchange strengthened effects of each, while enhancing sport and life growth. Examples included a greater sense of: Self, humility and understanding, and life passion. The interplay between martial arts and life emerged as the central phenomenon of the study. Results from the study contribute to the literature around motivation, adversity management, and self-confidence, and the interplay between them. Additionally, the research implies a relationship among them can enhance sport and life qualities. Lastly, this is one of the earliest studies involving mixed martial arts in the field of sport psychology. Future research could expand upon certain components of the study such as: participant diversity and size, competitive experience, and the enhancement of sport and life qualities.