The contribution of coaching behavior on levels of anger and aggression, of team handball athletes

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, sport has seen an increase in aggression and violent behavior among young male and female athletes. This phenomenon causes great concern to researchers, who are trying to examine the causes of the formation of violence in sport. At the same time, it seems that the role of the coach is decisive in the manifestation, or not, of aggressive behaviors. Aim: The aim of the present research was to study the levels of anger and aggression of handball athletes and whether, according to their perception, the coach’s behavior can influence these levels. Material and Methods: the sample consisted of 332 handball athletes, 179 males and 153 females, aged 13-17 years. Participants completed the Greek versions of two questionnaires: a) the “Anger and Aggression Scale” (CAAS) and b) the “Coaching Behavior Questionnaire” (CBQ). Results: From the results obtained, it appears that negative coaching behavior is associated with anger and aggression, while experience in team sports results in increased anger and aggression. Furthermore, extra days of coaching are associated with an increased level of anger, but especially in females. Finally, the athletes’ age and supportive coaching behavior, as well as their gender and experience, did not seem to influence the levels of anger and aggression. Conclusions: Therefore, the emerging trends are that negative coach behavior and years of experience of athletes in team sports are associated with increased levels of anger and aggression. In any case, even in the clearest relationships that emerge, such as that between negative coaching behavior, further investigation is needed so that the findings can be linked to the performance and achievement of athletes both in adolescence and more generally, and how they can be applied practically.