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International Journal of Martial Arts - Vol. 5
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International Journal of Martial Arts - Vol. 5, pp. 32-48
Abbreviation: injoma
ISSN: 2287-8599 (Online)
Online publication date 27 Nov 2019
Received 29 Dec 2018 Accepted 30 Sep 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51222/injoma.2019.12.5.32

Training the body and mind: Examining psychological correlates of Taekwondo
Emily R. Weissa ; Joan G. Millera
aDepartment of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, NY, New York

Abstract
Objective

Previous research suggests that martial arts practice may be associated with enhanced psychological and physical wellbeing. However, few studies have explored the effects of Taekwondo on these outcomes in a representative sample of practitioners.

Methods

The present study examines a sample of Taekwondo practitioners with an age range of 18-61 years, assessing the relationships between Taekwondo experience and self-reported body image perceptions, self-esteem, as well as perceptions of overall mental and physical health. It also explores practitioners’ motivations for Taekwondo training through analyses of participants’ responses to an open-ended question.

Results

Results demonstrated that Taekwondo experience was significantly associated with more positive ratings of self-esteem and of body image, and a stronger belief that Taekwondo influences physical health. Qualitative results revealed that participants reported physical, psychological, and social motivations for participating in Taekwondo, and Taekwondo experience was associated with a greater number of perceived psychological motivations.

Conclusion

The potential therapeutic implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords: Taekwondo, self-esteem, body image, wellbeing, mental health
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