Predictors of Aggressive Tendencies in Girls' Basketball: An Examination of Beginning and Advanced Participants in a Summer Skills Camp

Abstract

This study was designed to extend previous research on aggressive tendencies and moral atmosphere in two ways: (a) to include participants of two skill levels in a summer youth basketball skill camp and (b) to examine the influence of the coach on participants' aggressive tendencies. The participants were 136 youth from either a beginning (n = 89) or an advanced sport camp (n = 47). Results indicated that primary predictors of aggressive tendencies for both skill levels included participants' perception of their teammates' behavior in the same situation and their willingness to injure others if their coach requested. These findings are consistent with previous research establishing team norm as a significant predictor for self-described aggressive tendencies in a sport situation.