The Effect of Sportsmanship on Aggression and Anger in Athletes

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sportsmanship on aggression and anger in athletes and to evaluate how these relationships differ according to demographic variables such as gender, age, and cigarette use. Designed using a correlational survey model based on quantitative research methods, the study included a total of 504 athletes over the age of 18 actively participating in various sports branches. Relationships between variables were examined using Pearson correlation, the predictive power of sportsmanship behavior on aggression and anger was tested using simple linear regression, and t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were applied for demographic variables with two or more categories. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between aggression and anger; however, there were negative and significant relationships between all sub-dimensions of sportsmanship orientation (conformity to social norms, respect for rules and management, commitment to responsibilities in sports, and respect for the opponent) and aggression and anger. In terms of demographic variables, gender, age, and sport branch were found to have a partial effect on sportsmanship orientation and aggression and anger, while smoking were not found to have a significant effect on sportsmanship orientation. The regression analysis results showed that aggression and especially anger levels were significant predictors of sportsmanship orientation. Our results indicate that sportsmanlike behavior towards opponents in sports environments increases respect for the opponent and the rules, while reducing tendencies towards aggression and violence. Accordingly, it is recommended that coaches integrate anger management and sportsmanship-focused mental training into their training programs.