Microsoft Word Training the body and mind Examining psychological correlates of Taekwondo docx

V. Conclusion 
Importantly, the results of the present study may have implications for therapeutic 
research. Researchers have documented the efficacy of exercise for improving self-esteem in 
clinical populations (Bosscher, 1993; Hutchinson, Skrinar, & Cross, 1999). Additionally, as 
demonstrated by the broad age-range of the present sample, Taekwondo is a form of exercise 
that can be, and is commonly, practiced by adults of all ages. This contributes to its viability 
as a candidate for an exercise-based therapeutic intervention as it could be employed in diverse 
populations.
Weiser and colleagues (1995) proposed that parallels exist between the martial arts and 
psychotherapy, and suggested that they may be effectively used in conjunction with one 
another. Some of the dynamics that exist in a well-run martial arts school parallel those of a 
therapy group. The participants interact with each other, work towards overcoming obstacles 
together and help to facilitate change and growth in one another (Weiser et al., 1995). These 
characteristics echo the sense of comradery and increased familial bonding reported by 
participants in the present study.
The psychological benefits reported by participants in the current study, such as stress 
reduction, improvements in confidence and in wellbeing, are often targets of clinical 
interventions. Indeed, Weiser and colleagues (1995) suggested that martial arts training can 
teach practitioners to relax, to focus, and to become both self-aware and self-accepting while 
still striving for improvement, enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence. 
Overall, the results of the present study provide suggestive findings for development of 
such a therapeutic intervention. This is even more apparent when taken in conjunction with 
past work demonstrating increased relaxation, emotional stability (Konzak & Boudreau, 1984), 
lower levels of anxiety (Kurian & Caterino, 1993), and more effective coping strategies for 
dealing with stress (Petrovic, 2017) in martial artists.
In summary, this study provides preliminary evidence for Taekwondo’s positive effects 
on wellbeing through increased self-esteem and positive body image perceptions. Moreover, 
the guiding principles of Taekwondo were largely represented in the qualitative results of this 
study, suggesting that modern-day practice is imbued with the spirit and philosophies of 
traditional Taekwondo.

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International Journal of Martial Arts 
References 
Bosscher, R. J. (1993). Running and mixed physical exercises with depressed psychiatric 
patients. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 24(2), 170-184.
Burke, D. T., Al-Adawi, S., Lee, Y. T., & Audette, J. (2007). Martial arts as sport and 
therapy. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 47(1), 96. 
Columbus, P. J., & Rice, D. (1998). Phenomenological meanings of martial arts