The Locus of Control and the Sense of Personal Competence in Young Athletes Practicing Martial Arts

Introduction. The locus of control and the sense of competence are the psychological resources relevant to the taking-up and continuation of actions in certain situations. They are important regulating factors of the relationships between the man and the environment. It seems that, in such a specific field as martial arts are, these characteristics are useful and their identification and targeted strengthening desirable. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to gather knowledge about the sense of competence and self-control of young people practicing martial arts, as well as the relationship between these variables. Materials and methods. A total of 39 people aged 14-19 years participated in this research. All of them practiced martial arts. They had an average of more than two years training. Data were collected through the (KBPK) Locus of control Questionnaire (by G. and A. Krasowicz Kurzyp-Wojnarski) and the Personal Competence Scale KompOs (by Z. Juczyñski), and a questionnaire designed specifically for this research. Results. Statistical analyses conducted for the study have showed that the respondents represent a transient sense of locus of control, and average levels of personal competence in the field of strength and perseverance. Out of the measured variables, the locus of control in the event of success and a sense of strength were relatively highest. These variables also proved to be interdependent. Analysis also allowed for identification of many other relationships between the variables. Conclusions. Our findings may provide a clue for a possible modification of programs mentally preparing young athletes for martial arts sports. They may also act as suggestions sensitise trainers to specific psychosocial needs of young athletes.