The relationship between agression,impulsivity, and Alexithymia among the mixed martial arts athletes and trainees in Lebanon

Abstract

Abstract. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an athletic discipline that requires strength and can cause serious injuries to athletes. It is therefore very controversial and discussed by many as being very aggressive. Furthermore, there is very limited academic research on the topic of MMA and aggression in Lebanon. The present study aims at exploring the relationships between alexithymia, aggression, and impulsivity among the MMA athletes in Lebanon through a correlational design by testing the following four hypotheses: (H1) Higher levels of alexithymia in MMA athletes predict more injuries, and this relationship is mediated by aggression displayed by the athlete in the practice of MMA. (H2) Higher levels of alexithymia predict more aggression, and this relationship is mediated by the impulsivity displayed by the athlete in the practice of MMA. (H3) Higher levels of alexithymia predict more impulsivity, and this relationship is moderated by the years of experience of the athlete. (H4) Higher levels of impulsivity predict more injuries, and this relationship is . Data was collected from 60 MMA athletes, who have been training in Lebanese gyms for at least 6 months, using surveys in the form of hard and soft copies translated to both Arabic and English. The survey included 3 parts: demographic questionnaire, sport questionnaire, and the scales to test the 3 psychological variables (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Barrat Impulsivity Scale, and Buss-Perry Aggression Scale). Results showed that alexithymia and aggression are likely to decrease with years of experience, and, there has been an approved cause-effect relationship between alexithymia and aggression, and this relationship is mediated by impulsivity; however, impulsivity did not show a significant relationship with years of experience, and it scored right on the critical value with alexithymia. Recommendations for future research were discussed such as educating the coaches about the importance of academic research in the field of sport. In addition, the sample size should have been larger to generate stronger results. When it comes to the implications, theoretical as well as practical implications were offered to help the coaches and the athletes make the best use out of the MMA practice and maximize the athletic performance.