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

2. Reasons for Taekwondo Participation 
Each theme is discussed in terms of how frequently it was used throughout the sample and 
described in detail below, including excerpts from participants’ responses.
 
Frequencies of themes 
A within-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a difference in the sum of 
subthemes across the sample, F(3, 168) = 8.58, p < .001, ηp2 = .12. Participants reported a 
significantly greater number of Physical Motivations (M = 1.10, SD = .73) than Enduring 
Psychological Motivations (M = .44, SD = .73), p = .001, 95% CI [.26, 1.03] and Social 
Motivations (M = .49, SD = .76), p < .001, 95% CI [.26, .94]. State Psychological Motivations 
(M = .77, SD = .73) did not differ significantly from any other themes.
Themes associated with Taekwondo experience 
A Pearson’s correlation revealed that the amount of Taekwondo experience participants 
had was positively associated with the number of enduring psychological motivations they 
reported, r = .32, p = .017. That is, as experience increased, so did perceived enduring 
psychological benefits of training. Years of Taekwondo experience was not significantly 
associated with state psychological, physical, or social motivations.
An overview of the themes.
Physical motivations.
As the most frequently cited theme across the sample, many participants reported 
engaging in Taekwondo for exercise, physical conditioning, and to improve health. For 
instance, participants often viewed Taekwondo as an efficacious and enjoyable form of 
exercise. Practitioners frequently reported statements such as, “I felt Taekwondo is good for 
me to keep myself active, flexible. I’m so excited to come to class regularly and follow the 
instructions in Taekwondo”, and “I need to get/stay in shape. This experience has vastly 
improved my fitness and mental aptitude.” 
Aside from being conceptualized as a form of exercise, Taekwondo was perceived as an 
effective form of self-defense, with participants reporting statements such as, “I used to get 

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International Journal of Martial Arts 
bullied a lot. So self-defense is always something I wanted to know.” Additionally, some 
reported that they desired to learn a new skill, stating that Taekwondo provided them with a 
way to challenge themselves or achieve a goal. For instance, one participant noted: “As a 
veteran triathlete and 50-something, the flexibility and discipline is a definite addition to my 
training. Having a new challenge is a very interesting thing at my point in life.”