Exploring emotional intelligence and mood states variations in combat sports athletes: insights from sport modality, gender, and training experience

Riadh Yahyaoui; Ibrahim Ouergui; Amayra  Tannoubi; Mohamed Jarraya

doi:10.18002/rama.v21i1.2609

Authors

Riadh Yahyaoui High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7582-3357
Ibrahim Ouergui High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0131-1594
Amayra Tannoubi Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6277-2220
Mohamed Jarraya High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6866-0731

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v21i1.2609

Keywords:

Martial arts, combat sports, Sport Psychology, striking sports, grappling sports, invariance

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that combat sports which require athletes to adapt high-pressure situations and manage their emotions may enhance emotional intelligence (EI) and influence mood states. The present study examined the EI and mood states among combat sports athletes according to sport modality, gender and training experience. A total of 226 athletes from grappling (judo, wrestling) and striking (taekwondo, karate, boxing) disciplines completed the Arabic emotional intelligence scale (A-EIS) and the Arabic Mood Scale (ARAMS). Results indicated that striking athletes demonstrated higher EI and more positive mood profiles than grappling athletes. Male athletes showed greater EI and more favorable mood states compared to females. In addition, greater training experience was associated with higher emotional intelligence and positive mood dimensions. The study findings highlight the role of sport type, gender, and experience in shaping athletes’ emotional and psychological profiles, suggesting that emotional skills and mood regulation may be enhanced through training and experience in combat sports.

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Author Biographies

Riadh Yahyaoui, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax

Riadh Yahyaoui (Tunisia); PhD student affiliated, to the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. E-mail: yahyaoui.riadh@yahoo.fr

Ibrahim Ouergui, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba

Ibrahim Ouergui (Tunisia); PhD, associate professor, affiliated to the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of El Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia. E-mail: ouergui.brahim@yahoo.fr

Amayra Tannoubi, Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa

Amayra Tannoubi (Tunisia); PhD, Assistant professor at the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, Tunisia. E-mail: atanoubi@gmail.com

Mohamed Jarraya, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax

Mohamed Jarraya (Tunisia); PhD, full professor, affiliated to the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. E-mail: jarrayam@yahoo.fr

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