A cross-sectional study on the relationship between aggressive behaviour and sport practised

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to measure aggression in a more heterogeneous population of athletes, with the purpose of determining whether some specific conditions are related to aggressive behaviour. Methods: Athletes of 18–64 years old were enrolled in the study. The Italian version of Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire was administered. Results: A total of 390 questionnaires were collected. Males showed higher levels of physical aggression than females and we found a significant reduction in all domains of the questionnaire with advancing age, except for physical aggression. Furthermore, we found that subjects who practise—or have practised—full contact sports showed higher levels of physical aggression than those who practise— or have practised—partial contact or non-contact sports. Finally, we found that those who have played competitively in the past show, now, lower levels of anger than those who have played amateurishly. Conclusions: Age and gender appeared to be significant in aggression scores. Martial artists and combat sports players showed significantly higher levels of physical aggression than those who practise partial contact or non-contact sports. The type of sport (individual or team players), the practise time (beginners or experts) and the current level of sport (amateurs or competitive players) did not affect the aggression scores. Instead, the past level of sport is correlated with current anger.