Introductive study on risk-taking behavior, aggression and sports ability of golf players from United States

Abstract

The present study investigates the differences between high- and low-handicap golf players considering risk-taking behavior and aggression. Also, the existing correlations between golf players’ sports skills, height (inches), weight (lbs), risk-taking behavior and aggression were analyzed. 36 performance golf players from the United States took part in the research (Mage = 18.94). For assessing risk-taking behavior The English adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire was used, while aggression was measured through the English adaptation of the Makarowski's Aggression Questionnaire. It was found that low-handicap golf players have higher results for Go-ahead scale, a better sports ability is linked to a heavier weight (only in male athletes), while in female golf players a lower score for stimulating risk is associated to a higher value for instrumental risk (requires rational thinking). Both male and female golf players obtained a significant lower score for foul play, compared to the norms. Also, the results of female golf players were significantly lower for assertiveness, stimulating risk and higher in the case of instrumental risk. Gender differences were presented, starting from the dependent variables investigated.