RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGGRESSION AND PERFORMANCE IN CONTACT VS. NON-CONTACT SPORTS: A STUDY OF CRICKET AND VOLLEYBALL

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between aggression and performance in contact versus non-contact sports, specifically comparing cricket and volleyball. A mixed-method approach was employed with 120 participants (60 cricket players, 60 volleyball players) aged 18-25 years. The research utilized the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and performance assessment tools to measure aggression levels and athletic performance. Results indicate that cricket players (contact sport) demonstrated significantly higher levels of instrumental aggression (M = 3.42, SD = 0.68) compared to volleyball players (M = 2.87, SD = 0.54, p < 0.001). However, volleyball players showed better emotional regulation and teamwork skills. The study found a moderate positive correlation between controlled aggression and performance in cricket (r = 0.487, p < 0.01) and a weak negative correlation between hostile aggression and performance in volleyball (r = -0.234, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the nature of sport-specific aggression varies between contact and non-contact sports, with implications for training programs and performance enhancement strategies.