The Psychology of Combat Sports and Its Effects on the Individual Essay Example
Josh Stevens 11/27/2010
Professor Butler
PSY 260-B 12:00
The Psychology of Combat Sports and its Effects on the Individual
Abstract:
A brief look into the lesser explored psychological aspect of combat sport athletes, with a particular focus on mixed martial artists. The dangers of depression which these athletes are extremely susceptible to and the learning behaviors which are necessary to become successful in the sport.
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Inside of each and every one of us is a set of primal instincts, one of these instincts is an inner burning desire to fight and protect ourselves and the things or people that we care about. For centuries fighting has been a prominent part of human history; we have waged wars, experienced hostile attacks and are exposed to violence on an everyday basis through the media. Throughout the past few decades however society has been desensitized to fighting and now accepts it as a complex sport as well as a form of entertainment. A recent article from the popular martial arts website Sherdog.com presented some of the many factors that are all a part of combat sports that many fans may not be aware of. Millions of fans who watch combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling and boxing often times only see the glory and excitement of these sports; however all too often do we read headlines which depict unfathomable situations such as suicide attempts, violence, and crime as a result of these athletes jobs. The article entitled “The Psychology of Fighting” presents a key example of how the sport of MMA can affect a fighter mentally, even outside of the octagon. UFC star Quinton Jackson was arrested for a hit-and-run encounter that he had with police and charged with two felonies; this arrest came a little over a week after a unanimous loss to rival Forrest Griffin (Acosta, 2008). A loss, especially one as devastating as
Professor Butler
PSY 260-B 12:00
The Psychology of Combat Sports and its Effects on the Individual
Abstract:
A brief look into the lesser explored psychological aspect of combat sport athletes, with a particular focus on mixed martial artists. The dangers of depression which these athletes are extremely susceptible to and the learning behaviors which are necessary to become successful in the sport.
_________________________________________________________________________
Inside of each and every one of us is a set of primal instincts, one of these instincts is an inner burning desire to fight and protect ourselves and the things or people that we care about. For centuries fighting has been a prominent part of human history; we have waged wars, experienced hostile attacks and are exposed to violence on an everyday basis through the media. Throughout the past few decades however society has been desensitized to fighting and now accepts it as a complex sport as well as a form of entertainment. A recent article from the popular martial arts website Sherdog.com presented some of the many factors that are all a part of combat sports that many fans may not be aware of. Millions of fans who watch combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling and boxing often times only see the glory and excitement of these sports; however all too often do we read headlines which depict unfathomable situations such as suicide attempts, violence, and crime as a result of these athletes jobs. The article entitled “The Psychology of Fighting” presents a key example of how the sport of MMA can affect a fighter mentally, even outside of the octagon. UFC star Quinton Jackson was arrested for a hit-and-run encounter that he had with police and charged with two felonies; this arrest came a little over a week after a unanimous loss to rival Forrest Griffin (Acosta, 2008). A loss, especially one as devastating as