Prática desportiva e variáveis psicológicas: um estudo comparativo em kickboxing, outras modalidades e não praticantes

Abstract

This study examined the psychological impact of kickboxing on four dimensions: self-esteem, self-confidence, self-control, and Grit. A total of 81 participants, including practitioners and non-practitioners, completed validated questionnaires. Comparisons were conducted between practitioners and non-practitioners, males and females, and, among practitioners, between recreational and competitive training, using nonparametric tests due to non-normal data distribution. Results showed that practitioners scored significantly higher on all psychological measures compared to non-practitioners. No significant differences were found between males and females in the total sample, indicating that gender did not influence the outcomes. Among practitioners, no statistically significant differences were observed between recreational and competitive training, suggesting that both types of practice provide similar psychological benefits. Positive correlations were also found between all variables, highlighting their interrelated nature. These findings suggest that kickboxing practice, regardless of gender or type of training, is associated with improvements in the psychological characteristics assessed, reinforcing the potential of martial arts to promote personal development and psychological well-being.