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Abstract

Bullying is characterized by power imbalances in relationships, which can lead to negative social consequences. Youth with higher levels of resilience and self-efficacy are less likely to engage in aggressive behaviours or be victims of bullying. Karate, a martial art emphasizing respect, self-regulation and health promotion, may be an effective alternative to the anti-bullying failing approach of institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effect of a 12-week karate-based intervention on resilience and self-efficacy. 100 students from 3 high schools, aged 14-16 years, were randomly assigned to experimental group (n=50) that performed technical Shotokan karate practice and psychoeducational activities (90 min., once per week), or wait-list control group (n=50). Before and after intervention, two standardised psychometric instruments were used: CYRM-28 assessed individual capacities and resources, relationship with primary caregiver, contextual factors and total resilience; SEQ-C measured academic, social, emotional and total self-efficacy. Two participants from karate group withdrew during intervention. A significant 'Time x Group' interaction was detected for all dependent measures (p<0.05) with moderate to large effect size. Significant increases from baseline were found for all scores on the resilience and self-efficacy scales (p <0.05). The results suggest that psychosocial intervention based on Karate may improve the resilience and self-efficacy of youth and make them less likely to engage in aggressive behaviour or be bullied. Thus, Karate should be considered an effective alternative to the anti-bullying failing approach of the institutions.

Individual responsiveness to a school‐based karate intervention: An ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

“…26 Moreover, positive results on resilience, self-efficacy, selective attention, and problem solving have also been reported after school-based karate interventions among children and adolescents. 8,9 These findings overall support the beneficial effects of including martial art-related activities-and particularly karateduring physical education lessons. It is worth noting, however, that the present results suggest that the proportion of children who actually obtain meaningful benefits from the intervention would be lower than previously expected, at least for SDQ scores (responsiveness rate of 17%).…”

“…In this regard, growing evidence suggests that participating in martial arts could be particularly beneficial. [5][6][7][8][9] For instance, Lakes and Hoyt reported positive effects of a 3-month school-based martial arts intervention on cognitive and affective self-regulation, prosocial behavior, classroom's conduct, and maths performance in children. 7 However, although preliminary evidence supports the beneficial effects of karate on psychosocial functioning and academic performance, 8,10,11 there is a lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCT).…”

Multilateral teaching in physical education improves resilience and self-efficacy in adolescents and could help reduce bullying behaviors

“…It has been shown that resilience to bullying behaviors is improved when people can reveal their experiences to a family member (Rivers & Cowie, 2006). Furthermore, significant improvements in available individual, relational, and contextual resources support resilience competence in the face of adversity (Fischetti, Cataldi, Di Terlizzi, & Greco, 2019;Goldstein & Brooks, 2006;Kaplan, 2006;Naglieri & LeBuffe, 2006;Prince-Embury, 2007) and, thus, bullying (Bowes et al, 2010;Donnon, 2010;Greco, Cataldi, & Fischetti, 2019b;Lisboa & Killer, 2008;Rivers & Cowie, 2006;Sapouna & Wolke, 2013).…”

Connections of bullying experienced by Kyokushin karate athletes with the psychological state: is “a Cure for Bullying” safe?

“…The sport of karate is a widely practised form of self-defence and is considered a discipline that facilitates physical and mental balance and improving health (Greco et al) ( 1 , 2 ). A study conducted by Oulanova ( 3 ) showed that martial arts could help people regulate their behaviour and improve their mental health by learning self-control and concentration.…”