Positive and Negative Themes Depicted in Combat-Related Sports Films

Abstract

Participation in boxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling is extremely popular among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine themes depicted in a select number of combat-related films. Twenty films were independently viewed and analyzed by 4 reviewers. The average number of positive and negative themes was 34.4 and 18.1 mean events/hour for all included films, respectively. The most common positive themes were “positive interactions with family/friends/fans,” “importance of mentorship,” and “positive interactions with a coach/trainer” (4.23, 3.63, and 3.06 mean events/hour, respectively). The most common negative themes were “choosing to do the wrong thing,” “negative interactions with family/friends/fans,” and “poor sportsmanship” (2.70, 2.00, and 1.58 mean events/hour, respectively). In conclusion, the co-viewing of combat-related films among pediatric athletes and their coaches/trainers and/or parents in order to focus on “teachable moments” may encourage the acquisition and development of positive themes and the avoidance and de-emphasis of negative themes.