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Capoeira as a Clinical Intervention: Addressing Adolescent Aggression With Brazilian Martial Arts
Abstract
Aggression in adolescents is harmful and emotionally devastating to youth and surrounding communities. This article integrates martial arts and therapeutic principles into a culturally sensitive model that cultivates change in the aggressive behaviors of disenfranchised adolescents. The art form of Capoeira is proposed for promoting positive behavioral change.
La agresión en los adolescentes es dañina y emocionalmente devastadora para los jóvenes y sus comunidades. Este artículo integra artes marciales y principios terapéuticos en un modelo culturalmente sensible que cultiva el cambio de los comportamientos agresivos de los adolescentes marginalizados. Se propone el arte de la Capoeira para promover un cambio positivo en el comportamiento.
... Traditionally, anger management groups have focused on dealing with anger after it occurs. Recent developments in the field of counseling, however, suggest that a number of new trends are developing with mental health and anger management groups (Burt & Butler, 2011). ...
... The targeted clients of most of the early prevention interventions are middle and high school populations (Parker & Bickmore, 2012). Burt and Butler (2011) contended, however, that many early prevention and anger management groups are gender biased and focus excessively on adolescent males. The researchers suggested that while adolescent females experience anger as well, they often do not receive counseling services (Burt & Butler, 2011). ...
... Burt and Butler (2011) contended, however, that many early prevention and anger management groups are gender biased and focus excessively on adolescent males. The researchers suggested that while adolescent females experience anger as well, they often do not receive counseling services (Burt & Butler, 2011). As a result, a growing population with similar needs is potentially neglected. ...
This pilot study explored differences between the levels of anger expression and anger control by adolescent males and females. Eighteen participants (9 males and 9 females) completed a strength-based anger management group promoting wellness. Anger management group counseling consisted of a 10-week continuous intervention emphasizing anger reduction, anger control and appropriate anger expression. Results indicated gender differences in that females exhibited more anger expression, as well as less anger control. However, females had higher levels of overall improvement. The article concludes with limitations and implications for mental health counseling with adolescent populations.
... Practitioners and researchers have proposed various alternatives to assisting clients, ranging from rope courses to community involvement (Grothaus, 2013). However, one method in particular has received noteworthy recognition, which is intersecting clinical mental health counseling with martial arts in a group format (Burt, 2012;Burt & Butler, 2011;Hackney, 2013;Twemlow et al., 2008). Research in this innovative method suggests clinical group martial arts reduces anger and fosters positive youth development (Hackney, 2013). ...
... Additionally, clinical group martial arts can also assist in reducing selfinjurious behaviors (Potik & Schreiber, 2013). While research indicates a group-centered clinical martial arts approach is useful, a variation of the method using the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira indicates promise (Burt & Butler, 2011). Specifically, Capoeira promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and personal reflection as well as providing a sense of physical wellbeing through exercise (Capoeira, 2006). ...
... Although Capoeira has several underlying therapeutic components, a truly clinical group martial art must have a theoretical underpinning (Twemlow et al., 2008). Research indicates social cognitive theory (SCT) is a useful model for group martial arts (Burt & Butler, 2011). According to Bandura (1986), social cognitive theory (SCT) incorporates the concept of reciprocal determinism. ...
Many culturally diverse populations, such as angry youth, relapse into aggressive behaviors because of poor behavioral self-efficacy and socialization skills. To supplement traditional treatments, there is need for culturally sensitive and effective programs. Martial arts, when integrated with culturally sensitive clinical components, are a viable addendum to therapy. Martial arts represent a paradigm shift from talk therapies to more interactive, socially involving group methods. Combining the movement of martial arts with culturally sensitive therapeutic principles can make a significant difference with culturally diverse populations. Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) is a potential multicultural group approach for behavioral change.
... Traditionally, anger management groups have focused on dealing with anger after it occurs. Recent developments in the field of counseling, however, suggest that a number of new trends are developing with mental health and anger management groups (Burt & Butler, 2011). ...
... The targeted clients of most of the early prevention interventions are middle and high school populations (Parker & Bickmore, 2012). Burt and Butler (2011) contended, however, that many early prevention and anger management groups are gender biased and focus excessively on adolescent males. The researchers suggested that while adolescent females experience anger as well, they often do not receive counseling services (Burt & Butler, 2011). ...
... Burt and Butler (2011) contended, however, that many early prevention and anger management groups are gender biased and focus excessively on adolescent males. The researchers suggested that while adolescent females experience anger as well, they often do not receive counseling services (Burt & Butler, 2011). As a result, a growing population with similar needs is potentially neglected. ...
This study sought to examine students’ perceptions of their school counselors in two high schools in Beijing, China. Independent T-Tests found female students had a statistically significant higher rating in school counselors’ availability than male students. Also, students who received counseling services before gave a statistically significantly higher rating than those who never received counseling services before in the following areas: knowledge of achievement tests; friendliness and approachability; understanding students’ point of view; advocating for students; promptness in responding to requests; ability to explain things clearly; reliability to keep promises; availability; and overall effectiveness. A 2 x 2 Between Subjects ANOVA found an interaction effect between gender and use or not of the counseling service. In general, students gave positive evaluations of school counselors and were satisfied with the counseling services they received.
... These areas are as follows: (a) client/student level of intervention, (b) school/community level of intervention, and (c) the public arena. Burt and Butler (2011) state that for SCs and mental health counselors to increase students' social and relational competencies, these three areas are of critical importance. Toporek et al.'s (2009) views reflected the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA, 2005) national model and ethical standards (ASCA, 2010), which emphasized scholastic achievement and success. ...
... Many angry students have aggressive, automatic reactions to stressful situations. This automatic reaction may result partially from anger combined with poor relational competencies (Burt & Butler, 2011). Rather than automatically fighting, students now strategically approach stress-inducing situations. ...
... Furthermore, SCs (under the direction of the mental health counselor) stated to participants the group was for potential leaders, who had some behavioral problems (e.g., anger) that impeded their leadership ability. Burt and Butler (2011) indicate that emphasizing positive undertones and qualities of group members not only increases credibility of interventions but increases participant interest as well. SCs additionally informed participants that although another adult would lead the group, the SC would be present during some group meetings. ...
School counselors (SCs) have a wide range of responsibilities in schools, such as administrative, disciplinary, and counseling duties (Dahir & Stone, 200912.
Dahir , C. A. and
Stone , C. B. 2009. School counselor accountability: The path to social justice and systematic change. Journal of Counseling & Development, 87: 12–20. doi:10.1002/j.1556-6678.2009.tb00544.x [CrossRef], [Web of Science ®]View all references). Due to the large number of responsibilities, SCs sometime struggle with developing programs to meet relational needs of at-risk students. The purpose of this article was to provide SCs with a creative, hands-on approach to use with youth struggling with anger and relational issues. SCs in four schools collaborated with a mental health counselor to implement a school-based anger management group that focused on creating leadership abilities and improving relational competencies of students. A pretest–posttest design revealed significant changes in participants' anger and leadership ability.
... Initially confused by their parent's absence, most children experience a wide range of emotions and behaviors (Geller, Garfinkel, Cooper, & Mincy, 2009). For example, some boys may display rebellious, angry, or undisciplined behaviors such as acting out and getting into fights to solicit attention (Burt & Butler, 2011). Other boys may exhibit shyness, anxiety, paranoia, and reticence, particularly around adults (Davies, Brazzell, La Vigne, & Shollenberger, 2008). ...
... Youth's imitative behavior may serve as an undesirable "coming of age" or "badge of honor" with the parent and in the juvenile system. However, even if parental attachment is not high, but the child perceives it to be, it also directly influences social and relational abilities (Burt & Butler, 2011). ...
... Thus, the rationale of the child is as follows: Imitating behaviors will build a stronger relationship and increase attachment between parent and child (Phillips & Gates, 2011). Although this dubious logic may not be accurate, it provides the child with feelings of hope (Burt & Butler, 2011). As a result, a potentially distorted perception of the attachment between parent and child begins to develop (Lopez & Bhat, 2007). ...
Children of incarcerated parents are at a greater risk for developing social and relational issues due to negative socialization. By using a creative integration of imagery, bibliotherapy, and traditional group counseling, this intervention addresses children's relational and social competencies. The purpose of this article is to provide mental health counselors with a creative, pragmatic approach to use with youth struggling with relational issues. The brief, 6-week intervention outlined in this article may benefit children both socially and behaviorally. Improvement in social and relational competencies helps youth form healthy relationships in the future.
... Historically, AMGs assisted schools in identifying and supporting students that encounter anger problems (Kellner, Bry, & Salvador, 2008). Alarmingly, due to cultural encapsulation, some schoolbased AMGs are overwhelmingly comprised of ethnic minorities such as Latino and Black males (Burt & Butler, 2011). However, Booth and Myers (2011) stated many AMGs lack effectiveness with minority youth. ...
... For these ethnic minority males, being a leader in the family and community has a critical impact that needs addressing in counseling interventions (Buser, 2009). As such, AMGs need to incorporate leadership development in order to be effective with this population (Burt & Butler, 2011). The prefe norms over other ethnicities adversely affects Latinos and Blacks (Goodman & West-Olatunji, 2010). ...
... Therefore, many ethnic minorities are potentially at a disadvantage when in interventions such as AMGs. Inclusion of leadership skills, however, may promote some cultural aspects of ethnic traditions (Burt & Butler, 2011 ...
... Immigrant youths negotiated their self-identities and developed feelings of recognition and self-worth through capoeira (De Martini Ugolotti, 2015). Capoeira was also found to be an effective tool for working with youth with high levels of aggressive behavior (Burt & Butler, 2011) and for nurturing social interaction skills (Bhagia, 2001). Finally, capoeira promoted social skills among children with disabilities (Dos Santos, 2010, in Shilcutt, 2014 and hospitalized patients suffering from major depression (Gumze, 2014). ...
... According to the instructors, capoeira not only imparts cultural and physical skills but also provides a wide range of mental and social therapeutic tools. The capoeira circle symbolizes the world and serves as a concrete boundary constituted through the cooperative action of those in attendancethe members of the community (Burt & Butler, 2011). Moreover, capoeira favors defensive avoidance rather than blocking movements (Joseph, 2015), as this is also a major element of effective interpersonal communication. ...
Capoeira is an effective rehabilitative practice for marginal populations. There is a need to define the essential elements of the trainee's experience , and to conceptualize and define the processes of inclusion and rehabilitation associated with Capoeira training. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic rehabilitative elements of Capoeira pedagogy as perceived by Capoeira instructors who work with youths and young adults who experience social marginalization. Ten Capoeira instructors working with diverse populations were interviewed to gain insights regarding rehabilitative characteristics of Capoeira practice from their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed four components of Capoeira pedagogy that correspond to rehabilitative concepts: an alternative of non-violent aggression, inclusion into a community, promotes diversity and grants the trainee an experience of a significant being in the world and promotes an awareness of freedom and liberation. Combining several rehabilitative paths to a cohesive practice, initiates Capoeira as a fertile terrain for rehabilitation through inclusion. ARTICLE HISTORY
... For example, in Salvador, Brazil, Grupo de Capoeira Angola Pelourinho (GCAP) has introduced capoeira as a social activity to help street children and children living in impoverished neighbourhoods (Downey 2005, 63). Isaac Burt and S. Kent Butler (2011) discuss the possibilities of capoeira in replacing cognitive behavioural therapy among marginalised youth, calling for more research and collaboration with clinicians. In Canada, capoeira is utilised to assist in rehabilitation of young offenders (Joseph 2015). ...
... Subversion is expressed as playfulness, unpredictability, false attacks and changing directions. In and of itself, capoeira is neither oppressive nor liberating, but research demonstrates it has an effect on emotions, body awareness and social relations (Burt and Butler 2011;Downey 2005;Jordan et al. 2019;Joseph 2015). ...
This paper examines the practice of using capoeira for psychosocial support at the Za’atari Refugee camp through the work of the Jordanian non-profit organisation Capoeira al-Shababi. It explores the role of body practices involving humour, performance and synchrony on the development of feelings of belonging among Syrian children and youth. The work suggests that the capoeira class succeeded in holding the necessary space for vulnerability, which is the key reason why the participants described a bodily connection with each other and the feeling that the group was a family.
... After administration, quantitative data on academic acculturation, social integration, self-esteem, and mentor/mentee relationship ensued. One of these factors, mentor/mentee relationship, is a critical factor with black/African-American youths' academic and social success (Burt and Butler 2011). To further explore this crucial factor, participants elaborated on their perceptions of the mentor/mentee relationship in the program with written responses to open ended questions. ...
... Thus, a retention program incorporating mentorship (created to be preventive and remedial in nature) is a viable tool to utilize with African-American male students. While a number of studies outlay the problems African-American male students face, many do not offer solutions to problems (Burt and Butler 2011). This study sought to bridge that gap and propose a program that could benefit African-American male students. ...
Research indicates an alarming trend of African-American male students failing to graduate once enrolled in colleges and universities (National Center for Education Statistics 2011). In response to this problem, various universities have implemented academic programs to provide support and retention for these students. This study examines a retention program with Freshmen African-American male students in a large metropolitan university. Specifically, this article seeks to highlight the impact of retention programs on African-American male students successfully completing their first year of college. Results from a mixed method design suggest that retention programs have a positive impact on African-American male academics, with specificity to increased grade point averages.
... It seems that practicing martial arts reduce impulsivity and, also, implicit/unconscious aggression (see Predoiu et al., 2024). Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art that includes elements of dance) was recommended to promote positive adaptations in behavior and to reduce aggressiveness in youth (Burt & Butler, 2011). Also, martial arts promote self-control, courage, concentration and discipline (Kotarska et al., 2019;Predoiu et al., 2018). ...
To win in competition, athletes are inevitably in a position to display certain risky behaviors. The current research examines risk-taking behavior (instrumental risk and stimulating risk) in combat sport athletes, according to gender and sports performances. Also, it aims to verify the role that competitive experience has on athletes’ risk-taking behavior. In combat sports, athletes that take calculated and deliberate risks in order to accomplish a certain objective, like winning a competition or obtaining an advantage over rival, are engaging in instrumental risk-taking behaviors, while stimulating risk-taking behavior is impulsive, uncontrollable and short-term oriented. Seventy-one athletes were enrolled in the study, aged between 19 and 35 (Mage = 24.4). The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski’s Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire for martial artists was used. Analysis of Variance showed that experts/elite athletes registered significantly higher scores for instrumental risk, compared to novices. No gender-related differences in terms of risk-taking behavior were emphasized. Moreover, using linear regression analysis, competitive experience was found to predict combat sport athletes’ level of instrumental risk, but not stimulating risk. Furthermore, athletes having more competitive experience take more calculated risks, rational processes and the ability to analyze situations dominating.
... Physical exercise is one of the ways to reduce aggression because it has an effect inducing the synthesis of neurotransmitters, playing an important role in inhibiting aggression and anger (González-Gross & Cañada, 2015). Some authors propose that the art form of Capoeira be used to reduce aggressive behavior in youth and promote positive changes in behavior (Burt & Butler, 2011). We recommend future education specialists who have obtained a positive D score at IAT to practice (in their spare time) striking combat sports (e.g., karate, taekwondo), because it seems that practicing these sports disciplines can reduce not only explicit, but also implicit/unconscious aggression. ...
Everyone has implicit biases, no one is immune. The research aimed to explore the automatic/ unconscious aggression of athletes and future specialists in the field of education sciences (future teachers). 179 participants were recruited in the current research, aged between 20 and 24. An Implicit Associations Test (IAT) was created for automatic assessment of aggression. Data analysis revealed that more future teachers (20.83%) associated aggression with self (at the unconscious level), when compared to athletes. Recommendations for future teachers who have obtained a positive D score at IAT have been made. However, most of the participants automatically associated aggression with others (not with self). Using ANOVA procedures the differences between groups, in terms of implicit aggression, were investigated. Athletes from team sports (e.g., football, handball) and grappling combat sports (judo, jiu-jitsu) associated aggression with others at the highest level. Also, athletes in heuristic sports (open skills) associated aggression with others at a higher level than athletes practicing algorithmic sports. The IAT results were explained in the light of the specifics of each activity (sports discipline or future teaching activity).
... A large body of research has investigated the effects of social dance and movement on mental health. The types of movement and research outcomes studied have been diverse, including Irish Cèilidh dancing to promote mental wellbeing in older adults (Clifford et al., 2019); capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian cooperative movement art) in adolescents experiencing aggression and social exclusion (Amitay, 2022;Burt, 2015;Burt & Butler, 2011); contact improvisational dance exercises with prisoners to destigmatize touch (Houston, 2009); dance movement therapy (DMT) to assist in the psychological recovery of former child soldiers in Sierra Leone (Harris, 2007); salsa dancing for people with severe and enduring mental illness (Hackney & Earhart, 2010); and social movementbased classes for the mental health of adults with Parkinson's disease in Brazil (Carvalho de Melo et al., 2018). ...
Across the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and psychiatry, dance—broadly and heterogeneously defined across cultures and movement styles—has been investigated for a range of potential benefits in healthy and clinical populations. There is a growing body of literature investigating the potential for dance, and in particular social forms of dance, to have a positive impact on mental health and well‐being. Given widespread availability through community providers, social dance and movement could be an accessible, non‐invasive, and affordable approach to the prevention and treatment of mood disorders, including depression. However, the existing literature is heterogenous, and there is a lack of methodological cohesiveness and systematization in the field of dance for mental health research. In this narrative review, we propose a novel classification system for social dance mental health research, which encompasses solo dance, partner dance, group dance, dance movement therapy, and cooperative movement. We review the existing literature examining the effects of social dance and movement in the context of low mood and depression and identify future research directions for building a solid evidence base for the application of social dance and movement in the prevention and treatment of mood disorders.
... A capoeira envolve componentes de exercício, acrobacias, improvisação, dança, tocar música e cantar, bem como mover-se criativamente em harmonia e sincronia com um parceiro enquanto responde a pistas sociais não verbais. Particularmente interessante para o bem-estar individual e interpessoal, pesquisas preliminares sugerem seu amplo valor para a saúde psicológica [22][23][24][25][26]. É também uma ferramenta potencialmente valiosa para ensinar os jovens a se envolverem em conversas sobre diversidade cultural e cultura negra e indígena no Brasil com uma lente antirracista e feminista, e a entender melhor como a história racial do Brasil contribui para seu cenário cultural atual, com o objetivo de aumentar a empatia dos praticantes não apenas uns pelos outros como indivíduos, mas, de fato, para os contextos uns dos outros dentro da paisagem social e cultural mais ampla do Brasil. ...
Arts-based approaches within research and therapeutic settings are increasingly being investigated for their benefits to individual and societal mental health. Specifically, activities that rely on creativity and synchronized movement could positively interact with individuals’ ability and motivation to empathize with others, which could translate to mental health benefits downstream. In this study, 205 university students in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil participated in a semester of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian cooperative movement art, with either capoeira instruction as usual, capoeira instruction with a specifically anti-racist, social justice-oriented enhanced curriculum, or half a term of the standard instruction followed by enhanced instruction. Participants completed the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), which includes cognitive and affective empathy subscales, and other psychological questionnaires prior to and following the semester. Although there was no evidence of a significant interaction of timepoint (pre-post) and curriculum condition in overall empathy, F(2,186) = 1.850, p = .160, nor for affective empathy, F(2,186) = 1.949, p = .145, there was a significant interaction of timepoint and condition for cognitive empathy, F(2,186) = 3.075, p = .049. Specifically, enhanced curriculum participants scored significantly higher than did standard curriculum participants post-semester (p = .037). In a particularly divisive year on both social and political fronts, this interesting preliminary result suggests that including antiracist, culturally sensitive, and social justice-oriented education in creative arts-based social movement activities could potentially interact preservatively with cognitive empathy.
... Another example is sport initiatives in prison that resulted in improved attitudes, thinking and behavior, and in promoting desistance (Meek & Lewis, 2014). Similarly, consistent martial arts training of 6 months or more was accompanied by increased self-esteem and decreased aggressive behaviors in children and youth (Harwood et al., 2017;Twemlow et al., 2008), as well as the refinement of violence into its legitimate modes (Burt & Butler, 2011). Children practicing martial arts reported improved selfconfidence, self-regulation, and social skills, as well as the adoption of a non-violent approach to conflict management (Theeboom et al., 2009). ...
Spiritual criminology (SC) is an umbrella term for various criminological theories, models and practices that share reference to the spiritual dimension of human existence. Informed by a growing body of research that applies spiritual approaches to various aspects of criminology, SC attempts to provide a common thread shared by most approaches to spirituality: a voluntary self-journey that begins with an elevated level of self-centeredness and is aimed at self-transformation. Based on an extensive review of the literature, this paper proposes three general principles for spiritual accompaniment of people who offended: mindful non-doing, being and acting; love and compassion; and compassionate inclusion. These principles can be applied by combining several practices: renouncing control over knowledge, process and outcomes; creating a moral atmosphere that includes forgiveness and nonjudgment; and self-modeling. SC is shown to contribute to the rehabilitation of people who offended and also to crime prevention.
Keywords
compassion, forgiveness, non-doing, mindfulness, spiritual criminology
... We want to point out that a very recurrent and dichotomous view of body and mind exists between martial artists of different modalities (Rios et al., 2018;Ongpoy et al., 2017;Tadesse, 2017;Burt and Butler, 2011). Perhaps we can suppose that in some cases it is a philosophical heritage with a dualistic orientation. ...
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2020.587024.].
... In the face of the natural law of "survival of the fittest and the destruction of the unfit", mankind has shown a positive attitude. As a positive means of fighting against nature, martial arts came into being and gradually evolved in history [3]. Perfect and colourful. ...
With the global environmental pollution and the lack of material resources, people are aware of the importance of ecological problems, and people begin to look at sports from an ecological perspective. Martial arts is a traditional sport of the Chinese nation. It has a long history and has evolved into today’s competitive martial arts after many years. The development status of Emishi martial arts is relatively slow compared to other provinces in China. This article will investigate and study the training venues of Emishi martial arts training institutions and the degree of support for martial arts projects by relevant government departments in various regions and cities. The environmental protection values of most training institutions do not meet the standards. There are few areas with standard competition venues. Local governments lack attention to martial arts and the reward system is not perfect. The study found that the application of Emishi martial arts aerobics in martial arts research camps from the perspective of ecological sports should be reflected in venues, props and costumes, music, teaching methods and non-intellectual factors. Choose a martial arts research camp with better air for the venue, environmental protection of props and clothing, music soothing to reduce noise, teaching methods and non-intellectual factors should follow the law of student development.
... Com este trabalho é possível concluir que a prática de AM&DC é um ótimo meio de desenvolvimento biopsicossocial, ético e estético de crianças e adolescentes, desde que os treinos sejam conduzidos por profissionais qualificados e com ética irrepreensível (Klimczak, Podstawski, & Dobosz, 2014). Apesar das crianças e jovens com determinadas características poderem ser atraídos por certas AM&DC (Vertonghen, 2011), combinar a intencionalidade motora das AM com princípios terapêuticos pode fazer a diferença no desenho de estratégias de intervenção em adolescentes com comportamentos desafiantes (Burt & Butler, 2011). Os estudos de Fabio and Towey (2017) sugerem que devido às suas peculiaridades, as AM podem melhorar muitos aspetos funcionais das crianças e jovens, com implicações no bem-estar psicológico e no campo educacional, com subsequente melhoria no conhecimento. ...
Resumo. Esta revisão sistemática teve por objetivo sintetizar e analisar os estudos que relacionam a prática de Artes Marciais & Desportos de Combate (AM&DC) com a violência, nomeadamente com o fenómeno de Bullying em idade escolar. De fevereiro a agosto de 2018 foram recolhidas e analisadas 48 publicações de sete bases de dados científicas internacionais, mas apenas 18 cumpriram os critérios para serem incluídas neste estudo. Esta revisão evidencia que a prática de AM&DC promove alterações genericamente favoráveis no léxico biopsicossocial das crianças e adolescentes que as praticam. São um ótimo meio de desenvolvimento biopsicoemocional, ético e estético de crianças e adolescentes, sendo reportados nos seus praticantes níveis superiores de comportamentos pró-sociais entre pares. Esta condição é tanto mais benéfica quanto maior for a graduação do praticante (tempo de prática), a modalidade de participação nas AM&DC (praticante ou competidor), as qualificações profissionais dos treinadores, as características dos locais de prática, a tipologia de artes marciais ou mesmo o estilo (tradicional ou moderno). Palavras-Chave: artes marciais; bullying; relações entre pares; crianças; adolescentes. Abstract. This systematic review aims to synthesize and analyse studies that relate the practice of Martial Arts and Combat Sports (AM&DC) with violence, in particular the phenomenon of school bullying. From February to August, 48 publications were collected from seven international scientific databases on the subject under analysis, but only 18 met all the criteria to be included in this study. This review shows that the practice of AM&DC promotes generically favorable changes in the biopsychosocial lexicon of children and adolescents who practice them. They are great ways of biopsychosocial, ethical and aesthetic development of children and adolescents, and their practitioners report higher levels of prosocial behavior among peers. This condition is all the more beneficial the higher the practitioner's degree (length of practice), mode of participation in the AM&DC (practitioner or competitor), the professional qualification of coaches, characteristics of places of practice, the typology of martial arts or even the style (traditional or modern). Resumen. Esta revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo sintetizar y analizar los estudios que relacionan la práctica de artes marciales y deportes de combate (AM&DC) con la violencia, en particular el fenómeno del acoso escolar. De febrero a agosto se recopilaron 48 publicaciones de siete bases de datos científicas internacionales sobre el tema en análisis, pero solo 18 cumplieron con todos los criterios para ser incluidos en este estudio. Esta revisión muestra que la práctica de AM&DC promueve cambios genéricamente favorables en el léxico biopsicosocial de niños y adolescentes que los practican. Son un excelente medio de desarrollo biopsicosocial, ético y estético de niños y adolescentes, con niveles más altos de comportamiento prosocial entre los pares en sus practicantes. Esta condición es tanto más beneficiosa cuanto mayor sea el grado del profesional (duración de la práctica), el modo de participación en AM&DC (profesional o competidor), las calificaciones profesionales de los entrenadores, las características de los lugares de práctica, la tipología de artes marciales o incluso el estilo (tradicional o moderno).
... He did not however describe any findings that showed this. Burt and Butler (2011) described the potential of making use of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art as a method to address adolescent aggression arguing that martial arts in general can provide aggressive adolescents with non-violent approaches that can result in positive outcomes, particularly, they argued, with ethnic minority young people and gang members. ...
This paper presents a review of the recent literature relating to effective practice with young people displaying harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), violence or risky substance misuse. The intention is to build upon and update the 2007 literature review Research and practice in risk assessment and risk management of children and young people engaging in offending behaviour, funded by the Risk Management Authority (RMA) and carried out by the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR).
... nfucianism played a large role. These arguments are not mutually exclusive, especially given that there are characteristics of both that can be seen even in modern teachings of Northern Long Fist in the United States. Alex Channon (2014) wrote about the ways in which martial arts and combat sports successfully "undo" gender in training situations. Burt et. al. (2011) wrote about the use of Capoeira to address and lessen aggression in young people. ...
This study compares the classic car and traditional martial arts communities to explore how these communities benefit from or are harmed by the internet, and how knowledge lives within these communities. Both communities are non-occupational; they involve subjective, affective, and discipline-focused methods for cultivating knowledge and expertise rather than scientific methods. These communities are also focused on self-improvement rather than profit. The methods used in this study include participant observation, interviews, and analysis of primary and secondary documents. This study contributes to the literature on communities of practice by exploring how non-occupational communities of practice evolve and verify new knowledge rather than studying the attainment of a community of practice.
This study argues that while these communities are increasingly using the internet to communicate and organize, expertise that new members gain from the internet is not truly ‘valid;’ because expertise in these communities is often based on legitimate peripheral participation, impersonal and disembodied sources of knowledge are seen as less valid. This study puts forth an analysis of four different kinds of knowledge within communities of practice, including traditional knowledge, new knowledge, anti-knowledge, and non-knowledge. The three most interesting discussions from this are the verification of new knowledge and the concept of anti-knowledge, which is rejected by community consensus on the basis of being variant knowledge or fake knowledge.
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... Implementation of positive sports training programs using strategies to cope with aggression has a considerable impact on reducing aggressive behaviors (Taliaferro, Rienzo, and Donovan, 2010). Other benefits gained through sports practices for reducing aggressiveness levels are increasing social insertion, and helping to control aggressive behaviors (Burt and Butler, 2011;United Nations, 2003;Wells and Banning, 2008;Willemse, Smith and Van Wyk, 2011). ...
Purpose: This research is intended to analyze the effect of a sports and recreational activities program on aggression and prosocial values among youth living under conditions of social risk. Methods: The study included 28 young males (12.75 ± 1.40 years), from the Guararí community in Heredia, Costa Rica. An intervention consisting of 25 sessions of sports and recreational activities was carried out, and aggressive behaviors and prosocial values were recorded. Results: The results showed a decreasing tendency in verbal, physical, reactive and proactive aggression, and a linearly increasing tendency in prosocial values: respect, cooperation, and self-control. Conclusion: The data reported are in line with those found in the scientific literature. Sports and recreational activities have a positive impact through reducing aggressive behaviors and fostering prosocial values. Supporting training programs in which human movement contributes to the development of favorable behavioral changes can improve the life quality of adolescents and their insertion in society, leading to reduction in social risk indices. EFECTO DE UN PROGRAMA DE ACTIVIDADES DEPORTIVO-RECREATIVAS SOBRE LA AGRESIÓN Y VALORES PROSOCIALES EN JÓVENES EN RIESGO SOCIAL RESUMEN Propósito: Determinar el efecto de un programa de actividades deportivo-recreativas sobre la agresión y valores prosociales en jóvenes en condición de riesgo social. Metodología: Se evaluaron 28 jóvenes de sexo masculino (12.75 ± 1.40 años), de la comunidad de Guararí de Heredia. Se realizó una intervención de 25 sesiones de actividades deportivo-recreativas; mediante una hoja de registro se anotaron las conductas agresivas y valores prosociales. Resultados: Los resultados evidenciaron una tendencia a la disminución de la agresión verbal, física, reactiva y proactiva, y un aumento de los valores prosociales: respeto, cooperación y autocontrol se mostró una tendencia lineal al aumento. Conclusión: Los datos registrados son consistentes con lo reportado en la literatura científica. Las actividades deportivas-recreativas presentan un impacto positivo sobre las conductas agresivas y valores prosociales. Apostar por programas formativos en las que por medio del movimiento humano se logren modificaciones conductuales favorables, mejora la calidad de vida de los adolescentes, así como su inserción y disminución de índices de acciones de riesgo social. Palabras clave: actividades deportivo-recreativas, agresión, riesgo social, cooperación
... Thus, MA&CS practitioners apply and experience certain levels of violence directly on their bodies, which demands self-control and respect for the others. Not less important, most MA&CS have developed strong moral codes closely linked to peace education [Back, Kim 1982;Simpkins, Simpkins 2007] such as judo and capoeira [Burt, Butler 2011;Gutierrez-Garcia 2011]. ...
Background and aim. The inclusion of martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) in formal physical education (PE) has been suggested by many authors, although there is no strong evidence as yet of the benefits of its practice for students. This study aimed to describe the effects of the development of two MA&CS teaching units (judo and capoeira) on the motivational climate, enjoyment and attitudes toward violence of PE students, and to compare these effects with those experienced by students receiving team sports teaching units (football and basketball). Methodology. A quasi-experimental, pre-post (two groups), longitudinal study design was followed, involving 221 students aged between 13 and 16. The experimental group (n = 105) developed MA&CS teaching units, while the control group (n = 116) developed team sport, teaching units. A peer motivational climate questionnaire, the amusement/boredom in physical education scale and the attitudes toward violence scale psychological assessment tools were used. Statistical analyses included means and standard deviations, two-way equivalent multifactorial ANOVA and effect sizes Results: MA&CS teaching units significantly improved the classroom motivational climate involving tasks/learning, and students’ attitudes toward unjustified violence. The post-test intergroup comparison showed that the experimental group rejected unjustified violence to a higher degree than the control group (p = .014, d = .81). Improvements in attitudes to unjustified violence were for both males (p = .017, d = .82), and females (p = .021,d = .78) in the experimental group, while the climate involving tasks/learning only improved in males (p = .037, d = .77). Conclusion. MA&CS teaching units improved students’ attitudes toward violence and generated a higher peer motivational climate than, and similar fun as team sports teaching units.
... Thus, MA&CS practitioners apply and experience certain levels of violence directly on their bodies, which demands self-control and respect for the others. Not less important, most MA&CS have developed strong moral codes closely linked to peace education[Back, Kim 1982;Simpkins, Simpkins 2007]such as judo and capoeira[Burt, Butler 2011;Gutierrez-Garcia 2011]. In our research attitudes toward unjustified violence were significantly lower in the experimental group post-test compared to the pre-test, and compared to the control group post-test scores. ...
Background and aim. The inclusion of martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) in formal physical education (PE) has been suggested by many authors, although there is no strong evidence as yet of the benefits of its practice for students. This study aimed to describe the effects of the development of two MA&CS teaching units (judo and capoeira) on the motivational climate, enjoyment and attitudes toward violence of PE students, and to compare these effects with those experienced by students receiving team sports teaching units (football and basketball). Methodology. A quasi-experimental, pre-post (two groups), longitudinal study design was followed, involving 221 students aged between 13 and 16. The experimental group (n = 105) developed MA&CS teaching units, while the control group (n = 116) developed team sport, teaching units. A peer motivational climate questionnaire, the amusement/boredom in physical education scale and the attitudes toward violence scale psychological assessment tools were used. Statistical analyses included means and standard deviations, two-way equivalent multifactorial ANOVA and effect sizes Results: MA&CS teaching units significantly improved the classroom motivational climate involving tasks/learning, and students' attitudes toward unjustified violence. The post-test inter-group comparison showed that the experimental group rejected unjustified violence to a higher degree than the control group (p = .014, d = .81). Improvements in attitudes to unjustified violence were for both males (p = .017, d = .82), and females (p = .021, d = .78) in the experimental group, while the climate involving tasks/learning only improved in males (p = .037, d = .77). Conclusion. MA&CS teaching units improved students' attitudes toward violence and generated a higher peer motivational climate than, and similar fun as team sports teaching units.
... Unexpectedly, the boys spoke about what they could not do. For example, one boy made a poster with images of an expensive car and capoeira, a type of martial arts activity (Burt & Butler, 2011) to which he did not have access, and used a picture of a White boy to represent himself, when he was actually of Black descent. To our dismay, he expressed his feelings of exclusion and his inability to do or be what he wanted. ...
... Unexpectedly, the boys spoke about what they could not do. For example, one boy made a poster with images of an expensive car and capoeira, a type of martial arts activity (Burt & Butler, 2011) to which he did not have access, and used a picture of a White boy to represent himself, when he was actually of Black descent. To our dismay, he expressed his feelings of exclusion and his inability to do or be what he wanted. ...
Researchers and practitioners worldwide have advocated for the development of critical perspectives in occupational therapy to examine the structural influences of social exclusion and injustice experienced by individuals, groups, and communities. To take action against social exclusion and injustice, Brazilian occupational therapists have been developing "social occupational therapy," referring to practice that is focused on social issues and funded outside the health system.
This paper presents a Brazilian perspective on the concept and practice of social occupational therapy. Illustrations are drawn from 12 studies, developed between 2008 and 2013, which were completed with socially vulnerable youth through an ongoing university-community engagement partnership in São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil.
The authors discuss possibilities and challenges for developing a socially committed, transformative occupational therapy outside the health system.
Occupational therapists may wish to seize opportunities to address social issues and attract funding beyond health services.
Martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing health and wellbeing amidst growing concerns about noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues. This study explored the lived experiences of practitioners engaged in modern MA&CS, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), to understand how the practice of modern MA&CS impacts individuals biologically, psychologically and socially. Guided by the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and adopting a social constructivism lens, 16 participants aged 28-55 years underwent semi-structured interviews, exploring the physiological, psychological and social dimensions of their engagement in modern MA&CS. Through thematic analysis, three overarching themes were developed. The first theme highlighted the role of rigorous training in fostering resilience, discipline and personal growth. The second theme demonstrated how MA&CS builds self-confidence, reduces aggression and encourages prosocial behaviour. Lastly, the third theme underscored the importance of gym environments in fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and belonging. Modern MA&CS training transcends the gym offering a unique framework that promotes biopsychosocial wellbeing through resilience, confidence and community connection. Modern MA&CS holds potential for educational, therapeutic and community interventions aimed at fostering holistic wellbeing across diverse contexts.
For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many interventions exist that address symptoms of the disorder and related conditions, with promising to high levels of effectiveness. However, despite an accumulating body of research on sex differences in ASD, very few interventions have been developed with careful consideration of these sex differences and how these differences may inform treatment delivery. Following a brief summary of research on sex differences in the expression and experiences of individuals with ASD, this chapter reviews the most common interventions for ASD, focusing on implications for females on the autism spectrum. Consideration for how existing interventions may be adapted to be accessible and pertinent to girls and women with ASD, and meet their specific needs, is addressed. Further, the paucity of research on this topic is highlighted, and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Arts-based approaches within research and therapeutic settings are increasingly being
investigated for their benefits to individual and societal mental health. Specifically, activities that rely on creativity and synchronized movement could positively interact with individuals’ ability and motivation to empathize with others, which could translate to mental health benefits downstream. In this study, 205 university students in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil participated in a semester of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian cooperative movement art, with either capoeira instruction as usual, capoeira instruction with a specifically anti-racist, social justice-oriented enhanced curriculum, or half a term of the standard instruction followed by enhanced instruction. Participants completed the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), which includes cognitive and affective empathy subscales, and other psychological questionnaires prior to and following the semester. Although there was no evidence of a significant interaction of timepoint (pre-post) and curriculum condition in overall empathy, F(2,186)= 1.850, p = .160, nor for affective empathy, F(2,186)= 1.949, p = .145, there was a significant interaction of timepoint and condition for cognitive empathy, F(2,186)= 3.075, p = .049. Specifically, enhanced curriculum participants scored significantly higher than did standard curriculum participants post-semester (p = .037). In a particularly divisive year on both social and political fronts, this interesting preliminary result suggests that including antiracist, culturally sensitive, and social justice-oriented education in creative arts-based social
movement activities could potentially interact preservatively with cognitive empathy.
Background. Over the last few decades, the capoeira has highlighted it as one of the fascinating human activities. Parallel to the growing number of practitioners worldwide, capoeira has increasingly been the focus of academic concerns, particularly in university contexts.
Problem and aim. This study aimed to identify how capoeira has been addressed academically. For this purpose, it sought to develop a bibliometric analysis of the published articles on the capoeira over the last decade.
Material and methods. 353 articles written in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French languages were identified in the Pubmed (n = 27), Web of Science (n = 176), and Scopus (n = 150) databases, from 2010 to 2020, using the word “capoeira”. After that, 227 articles were removed because they were repeated, with unavailable access or dealt with another matter, resulting in 126 records for analysis. They were analysed based on the relative frequency of occurrences considering: (i) area of knowledge, (ii) authorship, (iii) type of research, and (iv) journal.
Results. The articles on capoeira belonged to Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Biomedicine, and Arts and Humanities. The most frequent subareas were Sport Science, Education Educational Research, Hospitality Leisure Sport Tourism, and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary. Movimento, Archives of Budo, Ido Movement for Culture, Revista de Artes Marciales Asiaticas, and Periferia were the main journals. Qualitative research was the method most utilised. And, most articles were published in co-authorship, which involved authors from different institutions from the same and different countries.
Conclusions. These findings contribute for clarifying the research state of the art on the capoeira as an important step for the researcher to raise questions, select research methods and define the publication target.
Background:
Following resettlement in Australia, young traumatized refugees often face social challenges, including language and cultural barriers and social adjustment, which can lead to behavioral difficulties. Providing support at this vulnerable stage is therefore vital for reducing future setbacks.
Objective:
The STARTTS Capoeira Angola program was developed to help traumatized adolescents successfully integrate into their school environments. As an Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates dance, Capoeira appeared an appropriate intervention for adolescent refugees due to its unique ethos of empowerment and group membership.
Method:
32 refugeesfrom Middle Eastern and African countries (aged12-17) from the Intensive English Centre (IEC) department of the participant schools were assessed pre- and post- intervention using the Teacher's Strengths and Difficulties Scale (SDQ). Teachers were also asked to observe the students' functioning in a range of different situations at school.
Results/conclusions:
A significant overall decrease in behavioral problems was observed, which was associated with improvements in interpersonal skills, confidence, respect for self and others, self-discipline, and overall sense of responsibility.
Capoeira could be defined as a Brazilian martial art and game to be played. This research explored how capoeira play might be considered to facilitate connectedness amongst newly-recruited persons, plus any other ramifications of capoeira involvement. A beginners' course of capoeira was provided to participants, free of charge, in an English city in the West Midlands — new capoeiristas in a new venue for capoeira. Researchers attended classes to collect/construct overt non-participant observation data. In addition, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the new capoeiristas post-course. This article explores researchers' observation fieldnotes and interviewees' narratives. These qualitative data-driven debates include the concepts: self, identity, escapism, multiparty endeavour, community, temporality, enjoyment, and transcending boundaries. Capoeira is theorised in a fresh manner that highlights social benefits of capoeira – for example as an enjoyable and supportive group endeavour which includes elements of social play and community-building – plus benefits for self that can transcend the boundaries of the class. Findings highlight how capoeira can be considered an inherently multiparty endeavour whereby social actors form, and experience, a community in order to embrace capoeira play. Data suggest capoeira can facilitate group playfulness, joviality, and laughter. Further, capoeiristas can enact and experience – some mode of – escapism via capoeira, whereby new place and pursuit can facilitate hedonistic diversion from the mundane. Capoeira appears to provide adventure and liberation into a relatively unburdened part of, or place in, social life. Corporeal and discursive boundary-empowerment can also be experienced by capoeiristas, fostering positive identity work in the wider world. Capoeira can be argued to facilitate mutuality (e.g., community experience and group work) and egoism (e.g., an individual’s identity work) concurrently. This research suggests that modified capoeira for beginners can be beneficial for both the new capoeiristas themselves and for positive community action during and beyond class
The aim of the study was to identify and analyse the body practices by alcohol and drugs addicted that are in social rehabilitation process at Centros de Atenção Psicossocial álcool e drogas (CAPS ad) in order to understand the influence of these practices in their lifestyle This study used the methodological plurality as research design involving 76 alcohol and/or drugs addicted attending the CAPS ad in Recife/Pernambuco Brazil It was used a semi-structured interview and observation script which were appreciated by content analysis The results showed that the body practices offered by the CAPS ad as part of the rehabilitation process do assist in the treatment offering changes in lifestyle The subjects believe that these practices help in the withdrawal process as well as in searching for a healthier and social lifestyle.
In 2003, Canada proclaimed a new Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which aims to reduce the use of courts and custody for the majority of adolescent offenders because “measures outside the court process can provide effective responses to less serious youth crime” (Department of Justice Canada, 2013, p. 3). This Act is based on evidence that “involvement in the formal justice system and imprisonment can have more profound and deleterious effects for adolescents than for adults” (Bala, Carrington, & Roberts, 2009, p. 134). The YCJA supports “crime prevention by referring young persons to programs or agencies in the community to address the circumstances underlying their offending behaviour” (Department of Justice Canada, 2013, p. 2). Alternative rehabilitation programs for youth based on physical cultures, including various meditation practices (Barnes, Bauza, & Treiber, 2003; Himelstein, 2011) and martial-art-based interventions (Twemlow & Saaco, 1998; Lakes & Hoyt, 2004), have been shown to provide students with an expanded skill set, including critical thinking, self-awareness, self-control, and overall enhanced mental and physical health. The research project discussed below offered a physical culture pro-social skills development program for young offenders. Specifically, capoeira, a martial art created in the context of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in Brazil, was used to facilitate discussion about and advancement of social skills.
Mental health counselors encounter numerous complex situations when working with children and adolescents in anger management groups. This study promotes the use of Social Cognitive Theory to reduce cognitive distortions and aggressive behavior in youth. Specifically, it highlights Leadership Implementation Training (LIT), a youth-oriented model that integrates leadership skills into school-based anger management groups with the intent of reducing agression in angry youth, initial data suggest that doing so is an effective tool for mental health counselors who facilitate groups in schools.
Women who participate in male dominated sports engage in sport that is framed from a gendered ideology. Sports, within this society, is identified as masculine and, as a result, values masculine characteristics. Femininity, women in particular, have been marginalized. The focus of this paper is to examine the female martial arts practitioner within a gendered society. As Title IX has enabled women to gain access to participate in sports, it has yet to fully challenge dominate gender ideology. The female martial arts practitioner not only has to battle masculine traits within the martial arts studio, but also within gendered norms. Unfortunately, the research focusing on the experience of female martial arts practitioners is limited; however, when they are examined these women are either placed in the margins or in gendered terms. Upon further examination, the female martial arts practitioner challenges the gender norm in a unique manner; she questions the male as protector and the female as victim.
Background
Researchers and practitioners worldwide have advocated for the development of critical perspectives in occupational therapy to examine the structural influences of social exclusion and injustice experienced by individuals, groups, and communities. To take action against social exclusion and injustice, Brazilian occupational therapists have been developing “social occupational therapy,” referring to practice that is focused on social issues and funded outside the health system.
Purpose
This paper presents a Brazilian perspective on the concept and practice of social occupational therapy. Illustrations are drawn from 12 studies, developed between 2008 and 2013, which were completed with socially vulnerable youth through an ongoing university-community engagement partnership in São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil.
Key issues
The authors discuss possibilities and challenges for developing a socially committed, transformative occupational therapy outside the health system.
Implications
Occupational therapists may wish to seize opportunities to address social issues and attract funding beyond health services.
The author discusses the adherence of culturally sensitive treatment (CST) to evidence-based practice. CST is distinguished from empirically supported treatment. Therapists are advancing CST by designing and evaluating interventions and evolving their understanding of what makes CST work. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
The authors discuss the historical and contemporary connection to social justice issues in the fields of counseling and counseling psychology via the multicultural counseling movement. In addition, the authors present ways in which social justice issues can be addressed in counselors' and counseling psychologists' work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and in graduate training programs.
The authors suggest that the most promising route to effective strategies for the prevention of adolescent alcohol and other drug problems is through a risk-focused approach. This approach requires the identification of risk factors for drug abuse, identification of methods by which risk factors have been effectively addressed, and application of these methods to appropriate high-risk and general population samples in controlled studies. The authors review risk and protective factors for drug abuse, assess a number of approaches for drug abuse prevention potential with high-risk groups, and make recommendations for research and practice.
In view of the growing concern over the number of disturbed children in residential treatment centers, identification of the kinds of children best treated in such centers is important. A review of the literature reveals that criteria for placement are inadequate and information on outcomes insufficient for guidance on the placement problem. Implications and recommendations for practice and research are delineated.
A large proportion of children in residential treatment engage in extreme acting-out behavior and suffer from severe attachment disorders and abuse reactivity. At the same time, practice is increasingly alienated from theory and public policy. The challenges to practitioners posed by these difficulties are described and illustrated by vignettes, their impact on residential group care practice is discussed, and their implications for the redesign of practice and for the development of a new theoretical base are examined.
Students in ATA Taekwondo schools were administered the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. The students were divided into two groups of 15 persons each based on 0–1.4 yr. vs 1.5 + yr. spent in formal Taekwondo training. From the 16 PF, scores on two second-order and one derived factor were calculated for Anxiety, Independence, and Leadership. The groups having longer Taekwondo training times scored significantly lower on Anxiety and higher on Independence. Although Leadership scores were higher for the longer trained group they were not statistically significant.
The authors propose a dialectical conceptual framework for the bully-victim-bystander interaction often seen in school violence. A clinical and interactional typology is proposed for the detection of children falling into these patterns, with the goal of affording early and vigorous intervention and consultation opportunities with teachers and school administrators.
Components of an effective treatment program for violent adolescents, and the complex problems posed by youth gangs, are discussed. It is proposed that traditionally taught martial arts can provide a useful alternative for such dysfunctional adolescents. The literature on the use of martial arts in the treatment of violence is reviewed, and the program philosophy is described. The program utilizes a commitment to respect and self-control, with an emphasis on leadership and community service using the traditional model of a gentle warrior. Oversight is provided by trained instructors, whose psychological and philosophical approach stresses nonviolence. The program also assists youths in coping with the complexities of an often dysfunctional family environment. Clinical examples detail the application of such a program in specialized martial arts schools, residential treatment, and public school classes.
In this paper we address the pervasive tendency in community psychology to treat values like social justice only as general objectives rather than contested theoretical concepts possessing identifiable empirical content. First we discuss how distinctive concepts of social justice have figured in three major intellectual traditions within community psychology: (1) the prevention and health promotion tradition, (2) the empowerment tradition, and most recently, (3) the critical tradition. We point out the epistemological gains and limitations of these respective concepts and argue for greater sensitivity to the context dependency of normative concepts like social justice. More specifically, we point to a pressing need in community psychology for an epistemology that: (1) subsumes both descriptive and evaluative concepts, and (2) acknowledges its own embeddedness in history and culture without thereby reducing all knowledge claims to the status of ideology. Finally, we describe and demonstrate the promise of what we are calling a social ecological epistemology for fulfilling this need.
For decades, empirically tested youth interventions have prevented dysfunction by addressing risk and ameliorated dysfunction through treatment. The authors propose linking prevention and treatment within an integrated model. The model suggests a research agenda: Identify effective programs for a broadened array of problems and disorders, examine ethnicity and culture in relation to intervention adoption and impact, clarify conditions under which programs do and do not work, identify change mechanisms that account for effects, test interventions in real-world contexts, and make tested interventions accessible and effective in community and practice settings. Connecting the science and practice of prevention and treatment will be good for science, for practice, and for children, adolescents, and their families.
Violent, nonmentalizing individuals who act out aggression do not usually respond to verbal therapeutic approaches alone. We suggest the movement in physically oriented therapies, such as yoga and martial arts, combined with psychodynamic psychotherapy are critical in reaching these individuals. We also suggest embodiment as a direct link to the kinesthetic core of easily disturbed attachment experiences. This process embodying the mind requires a safe, containing context found in the therapist. Clinical vignettes show how this might be done in both individual and social contexts. These vignettes also show a way to think about such a combination of techniques and theories.
Provides a selective overview of sociocultural research investigating the role of culture in the course of mental illness and suggests promising directions for future research. Sociocultural variation in basic psychological processes and experiences including identity, self-esteem, attribution, and motivation are discussed. The role of race, ethnicity, SES, changing work roles, and communities in mental health across the life span are also explored. Possible directions for future research include cross-cultural research on universal vs culturally specific aspects of behavior, the expression and effects of ethnic discrimination, and factors mediating the effects of SES on the mental health of children and adults (0 ref).
The author discusses the adherence of culturally sensitive treatment (CST) to evidence-based practice. CST is distinguished from empirically supported treatment. Therapists are advancing CST by designing and evaluating interventions and evolving their understanding of what makes CST work.
La autora discute la adherencia del tratamiento culturalmente sensible (CST, por sus siglas en inglés) a la práctica basada en evidencias. El CST se distingue del tratamiento empíricamente sostenido. Los terapeutas están desarrollando el CST diseñando y evaluando intervenciones y evolucionando en su comprensión de los factores que hacen del CST un tratamiento eficaz.
This study examines aggressive fantasy of students in traditional karate dojos. These data are of both theoretical and humanistic interest. The theoretical interest derives from the conventional wisdom that perceives such training as leading to a decrease in aggressiveness, in contrast to current theory which would expect such training to increase aggressiveness. Such an inquiry is of humanistic interest because it offers practitioners of nonviolence the option of acquiring defensive competences without at the same time becoming more aggressive. Interviews with 42 students at various belt levels found that longer training is associated with lower aggressiveness, in contrast to the theoretical predictions. Four plausible mechanisms of such a change were examined: self-control, self-assertiveness, self-esteem, and self-confidence. None of these was found to qualify as an intervening variable, though one subscale of self-assertiveness, "constructiveness," was found, like training, to be associated with lower aggressiveness. Further studies are suggested.
This report contains the most recent available data on school crime and safety drawn from a number of statistical series supported by the federal government. It is organized as a series of indicators, with each indicator presenting data on a different aspect of school crime and safety. There are five sections to the report: Violent Deaths at School; Nonfatal Student Victimization--Student Reports; Violence and Crime at School--Public School Principles/Disciplinarian Reports; Nonfatal Teacher Victimization at School--Teacher Reports; and School Environment. Each section contains a set of indicators that, taken together, describe a distinct aspect of school crime and safety. Appendixes include "School Practices and Policies Related to Safety and Discipline," technical notes, and a glossary. (Contains 81 tables and 37 figures.) (MKA)
Two forms of competitive encounters namely Randori (free fight) and Kata (highly ritualized fight) were studied in 22 professional male judo fighters. The dyadic, symmetrical (in terms of body weight and fighting ability) encounters were videotaped to assess relationships between agonistic behavior and individual variations in plasma levels of testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) measured before and after the competition. Unremarkably, winners showed longer attack but devoted less time to defensive behaviors when compared to losers. T increased only during Randori but the individual pre- and post-competition T levels recorded in such fights were strongly correlated with the corresponding measures in the Kata for the same individuals. Interestingly, the pre- and post-Randori competition T levels were higher in losers than in winners and T variations positively correlated with the frequencies of attacks and with the duration of defensive postures. The T response shows individual variation and seems to reflect evaluation of the likelihood of winning or losing. Both Randori and Kata induced a marked C increase, although the pre- and post-Randori hormonal titers were higher than those found for the Kata. IL-6 significantly increased between the pre- and the post-Randori competition, but no such changes occurred during the Kata. No correlations were found between individual pre- and post-competition C and IL-6 and IL-1β levels in either Randori or Kata. This suggests that C and cytokine release are unrelated to emotional or cognitive perception of the possible outcome of fighting but are a consequence of general motor activity. Martial arts appear to provide good human models to understand: (a) the relationships between conflict, hormones and the immune system and (b) the relationships between mood and physiological responses to competitive aggression. Aggr. Behav. 32:1–9, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
This study evaluated the Gentle Warrior Program, a traditional martial arts–based intervention to reduce aggression in children, as it was implemented in three elementary schools. The sample consisted of 254 children in grades 3, 4, and 5 who participated in the Gentle Warrior Program as part of a larger school violence intervention. Results indicated that boys who participated in more Gentle Warrior sessions reported a lower frequency of aggression and greater frequency of helpful bystanding (i.e., helpful behavior toward victims of bullying) over time, relative to boys with less frequent participation. The effect of participation on aggression was partially mediated by empathy. The effect of participation on helpful bystanding was fully mediated by changes in student empathy. No significant results were found for girls. Results of the study provide preliminary support for the use of martial arts–based interventions to address bullying in schools for boys, by teaching empathy, self-control, and peaceful strategies to resolve conflicts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interest in the historically changing contexts of human life has been associated with the elaboration of a life-span view of human development. This view holds that all levels of the context, including the biological, psychological, and sociocultural, change in reciprocal relation to one another. As a consequence of being embedded in a context which they both influence and are influenced by, children and adolescents may promote their own development. One way this occurs is that as a consequence of their characteristics of physical and behavioral individuality people promote differential reactions in their socializing others (e.g., parents, teachers, or peers); these reactions feed back affecting further development. My colleagues and I have conducted research that describes such child and adolescent contributions to development. We have focused on characteristics of physical individuality, such as body type and physical attractiveness, and on characteristics of behavioral individuality, such as behavioral style or temperament. Findings from these studies are conceptualized in terms of a person-context “goodness-of-fit” model. Adaptive development is associated with congruence, or fit, between a person's attributes of individuality and the demands of his or her setting. Implications of this research for illustrating the use of the life-span perspective, and for theory in and practice of intervention, are discussed.
For many years, notes Alex Piquero, youth of color have been overrepresented at every stage of the U.S. juvenile justice system. As with racial disparities in a wide variety of social indicators, the causes of these disparities are not immediately apparent. Some analysts attribute the disparities to "differential involvement"—that is, to differences in offending by minorities and whites. Others attribute them to "differential selection"—that is, to the fact that the justice system treats minority and white offenders in different ways. Still others believe the explanation lies in a combination of the two. Differential involvement may be important earlier in the judicial process, especially in youths' contacts with police, and may influence differential selection later as individuals make their way through the juvenile justice system.
Adjudicating between these options, says Piquero, is difficult and may even be impossible. Asking how much minority overrepresentation is due to differences in offending and how much to differences in processing no longer seems a helpful way to frame the discussion. Piquero urges future research to move beyond the debate over "which one matters more" and seek to understand how each of the two hypotheses can explain both the fact of minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system and how best to address it.
Piquero cites many sizable gaps in the research and policy-relevant literature. Work is needed especially, he says, in analyzing the first stage of the justice system that juveniles confront: police contacts. The police are a critical part of the juvenile justice decision-making system and are afforded far more discretion than any other formal agent of social control, but researchers have paid surprisingly little attention to contacts between police and citizens, especially juveniles.
Piquero notes that some states and localities are undertaking initiatives to reduce racial and ethnic disparities. He urges researchers and policymakers to evaluate such initiatives, especially those using strategies with a track record of success. Researchers should also examine empirically the far-reaching consequences of disproportionate minority representation in the juvenile justice system, such as poor outcomes in education, labor force participation, and family formation. Finally, Piquero emphasizes that one critical research area involves updating justice system data systems and repositories, which have failed to track changes in U.S. demographic and immigration patterns.
There have been numerous studies of the effects of traditional martial arts training on aggressiveness, most reporting a decline in aggressiveness with training. The majority of these studies have examined students of karate or taekwondo, disciplines emphasizing strikes and blocks. In contrast, this cross-sectional study examined the effects of traditional judo training on aggressiveness by looking at 51 judo students. Furthermore, we incorporate into our analysis two variables generally associated with aggression, age and sex, to control for their effects. Aggressiveness declined as expected across training and ages, but surprisingly sex had no effect in this setting.
The capacity to exercise control over the nature and quality of one's life is the essence of humanness. Human agency is characterized by a number of core features that operate through phenomenal and functional consciousness. These include the temporal extension of agency through intentionality and forethought, self-regulation by self-reactive influence, and self-reflectiveness about one's capabilities, quality of functioning, and the meaning and purpose of one's life pursuits. Personal agency operates within a broad network of sociostructural influences. In these agentic transactions, people are producers as well as products of social systems. Social cognitive theory distinguishes among three modes of agency: direct personal agency, proxy agency that relies on others to act on one's behest to secure desired outcomes, and collective agency exercised through socially coordinative and interdependent effort. Growing transnational embeddedness and interdependence are placing a premium on collective efficacy to exercise control over personal destinies and national life.
Foundations of Capoeira
- M Boneco
Boneco, M. (2002). Foundations of Capoeira. Retrieved from http://www.capoeirabrasil.com Capoeira, N. (2003). The little Capoeira book. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic.
A choice theory perspective on children's taekwondo
- Law D. R.
Law, D. R. (2004). A choice theory perspective on children's taekwondo. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 24, 13–18.
Making kids smarter: A guide for developing and teaching children successfully
- P Portes
Portes, P. (1998). Making kids smarter: A guide for developing and teaching children successfully. Lou-isville, KY: Butler Books.
Crime and victimization statistics: National crime victimization survey
- U S Department
- Justice