| Drivers and Deterrents of Violent Behavior in Professional Athletes: A Meta-Synthesis Study |
| Paper ID : 1155-SPORTCONGRESS (R2) |
| Authors |
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فرشید کرمی1, عبدالله رسایی راد *2, صفوری معبودی3 1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran. 2Ph.D. in Sport Management, Physical Education Teacher, Department of Education of Boyer-Ahmad County, Yasuj, Iran 3Ph.D. Candidate in Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Despite extensive research, the existing understanding of factors influencing violence and antisocial behavior in sport remains fragmented and lacks an integrated theoretical framework. To address this gap, this study aimed to develop a comprehensive conceptual model to elucidate the dynamics of athletes' decision-making processes regarding aggressive acts. Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach based on a meta-synthesis methodology. Qualitative evidence derived from a wide corpus of selected studies in the field of sport violence was systematically synthesized. The final conceptual framework was then formulated through an inductive thematic analysis of the synthesized findings.. Results: The qualitative analysis led to the formulation of the "Decision to Aggress" model. This model posits that an athlete's decision is the outcome of a dialectical interaction among four core conceptual forces: (1) Inciting Factors (situational, performance, and psychological pressures pushing an individual toward aggressive behavior); (2) Facilitating Factors (perceived benefits, such as gaining a tactical advantage or intimidating opponents, that make aggression appealing); (3) Protective Factors (internal and external resources, like emotional self-control and social support, that enhance an athlete's capacity to resist pressure); and (4) Deterring Factors (potential negative consequences, such as sanctions or reputational damage, that neutralize the appeal of aggressive behavior). Conclusion: By providing an integrated theoretical framework, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex decision-making process behind aggression in sport. The model demonstrates that this decision is not a simple choice but a dynamic struggle between competing forces across multiple levels (individual, team, and cultural). This conceptual framework provides a scientific basis for transitioning from reactive, punitive policies toward proactive, evidence-based preventive strategies, such as psychological skills training, to combat violence in sport.. |
| Keywords |
| Sport Violence, Antisocial Behavior, Meta-synthesis, Decision Dynamics Model, Inciting Factors, Deterring Factors, Professional Sport. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
