Evaluation of Trait Anger and Anger Expression in Taekwondo Athletes in Relation to Gender and Success

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine the relationships between trait anger and anger expression styles, gender and success in female and male taekwondo athletes. The study population consisted of a total of 1038 taekwondo athletes from which a sample of 362 was taken (237 male and 125 female). The State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS) developed by Spielberger (1983) was used. The results revealed a positive relationship between trait anger and anger expression styles; significant differences were shown related to gender, anger in, anger out and anger control scores. No difference was observed between trait anger and anger expression styles, and success. A trait anger level of = 23.11 out of 40 implies the athletes experienced a medium level of trait anger; the highest correlation of trait anger was with the anger out dimension of the STAS. The scores associated with the anger in, anger out dimensions and anger control of women were lower; with increase in success of athletes, trait anger and anger expression scores also increased