Study of Factors Explaining Pro Corporal Punishment Attitudes in School Athletic Clubs

Abstract

Affirmative opinions on tolerating corporal punishment are deep-rooted in athletic activities. This study investigated conditions of corporal punishment and inappropriate coaching in high school athletic club activities by examining factors explaining attitudes tolerating corporal punishment from the perspective of proactive or reactive aggression. We surveyed university students (n=180) and assessed their rate of experiencing some form of corporal punishment or inappropriate coaching. Next, we examined factors explaining attitudes toward tolerating corporal punishment through hierarchical multiple regression analysis using the Bootstrap method. The results indicated that the experience of corporal punishment had a positive effect on the degree of tolerating corporal punishment. Moreover, positive assessment of aggression, revengeful intentions, and anger continuity positively explained the degree of tolerating corporal punishment. These findings clarify specific psychological variables explaining pro corporal punishment attitudes and would contribute to the future elucidation of their detailed psychological mechanisms.