BJJ blue belt and University of Western States doctoral candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology Nicole Blanchette is conducting a study for her thesis, and if you’re a woman training in a combat sport, you’re invited to participate.
The recruitment material approved by Blanchette’s university describes the study thusly:
“As a doctoral candidate at the University of Western States, I am currently seeking females who are at least 18 years of age to participate in a research study. You or your organization was identified because either you or your organization indicate that you are either involved in, coach or train combat sport. The purpose of this study is to examine the personality traits of females who train combat sport compared to women who do not train combat sport.
Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may withdraw at any time. No personally identifiable information will be collected. There are no known risks to participating in this study. There are no known benefits to participating in this study; however, participation will contribute to the current body of literature and will provide valuable insights.
Participation in this study involves the following:
· 12 – 15 minute time commitment
· Completion of an online survey and assessment
· Anonymous participation
For more information about this study, please contact Nicole Blanchette, by email at nblanchette@students.uws.edu.”
Blanchette told the Jiu-Jitsu Times about her motivation behind the topic of the survey:
“Research on women in combat sport is limited. Previous research has primarily focused on male and co-ed populations, only addressing the traditional association of male exclusivity and combat sport. There is a need for a greater understanding of women in a male dominated enterprise in order to enhance the accessibility of the sport.
With limited accessibility of combat sport for women, further research is necessary in order to understand the experiences of women in combat sport. Their experiences are unique due to their involvement in an activity that is governed by a male population. Not only do women have distinct challenges in combat sport including physiological demands, but also psychological demands. In order to address these issues, developing a psychological profile of female combat sport athletes will aid in the understanding of their challenges, experiences, and increasing the accessibility of the sport. The research question posed is, based on the personality assessment of dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness (DISC), what are the most salient personality traits of women in combat sport?
“Additionally, as a BJJ Blue Belt and former Muay Thai practitioner, this is a mission near and dear to my heart. Women warriors are unique and deserve to be celebrated for the fierce fighters that they are. This is one way to do that and honor them.”
Blanchette also noted that she would be publishing the results to the study in the future.
“After the collection of data from 200 participants, I will defend my dissertation and then write a manuscript for publication in an academic journey. At that time the results and conclusion will be available.“
You can take the survey here.
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