The lasting effect of athlete aggressive behavior beyond sport

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explored the relationship between the perceived motivational climate and aggression in early adulthood grounded in Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) and the Caring Climate Framework. Participants (N = 116) completed a retrospective survey assessing their most impactful sport or physical education (PE) experience. Quantitative measures include the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ), and the Caring Climate Scale (CCS). Multiple regression analyses examined whether the perceptions of a Caring Climate (CCS), Task-Involving Climate (TICs), and Ego-Involving Climate (EICs) predicted overall aggression and its subscales (Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, Hostility). Results indicated that only CCS significantly predicted lower total aggression and several subscales, highlighting the unique protective role of a caring climate. TICs unexpectedly predicted higher Verbal Aggression, and EICs was not a significant predictor. Gender-based t-tests revealed that men reported significantly higher Physical Aggression than women, with no other significant gender differences found.Qualitative responses from open-ended questions were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. A hybrid thematic analysis was used: themes were initially coded inductively and later interpreted through the lens of motivational climate theory to categorize patterns as EICs- or CTICs-related (Fereday & Muir-Cochrane, 2006). Themes under EICs included punishments for mistakes, emotional suppression, and aggression as performance strategies. Conversely, CTICs themes emphasized personal growth, emotional regulation, and reduced aggression. A novel theme, “EICs Created a New Perspective,” revealed that some participants rejected aggressive norms modeled by coaches. The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings indicates that relationally supportive climates, particularly those emphasizing care, are most strongly associated with reduced aggression in adulthood. These findings highlight a simple but powerful truth: how we teach, coach, and lead matters. In a time when aggression and emotional dysregulation impact sport and society, the climate we create today shapes not only athletic performance—but the people athletes become tomorrow.