Bellarmine University ScholarWorks@Bellarmine Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones Graduate Research 4-6-2021 The Influence of Martial Arts on the Quality of Life of College Students Benjamin Harris bharris2@bellarmine.edu Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.edu/tdc Part of the Educational Methods Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Higher Education Commons, and the Leisure Studies Commons Recommended Citation Harris, Benjamin, "The Influence of Martial Arts on the Quality of Life of College Students" (2021). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones.edu/tdc/100 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at ScholarWorks@Bellarmine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@Bellarmine. For more information, please contact jstemmer@bellarmine.edu, kpeers@bellarmine.
1 Running head: INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS The Influence of Martial Arts on the Quality of Life of College Students By Benjamin Harris A dissertation submitted to the faculty of Bellarmine University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Spring 2021 2 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY The Undersigned Faculty Committee Approves the Dissertation Defense of Benjamin Harris The Influence of Martial Arts on the Quality of Life of College Students Dr. Mike Vetter (Chair) Associate Professor, Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education, Bellarmine University Dr. Donald (DJ) Mitchell Jr. Professor, Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education, Bellarmine University Dr.
Jakia Marie Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, Bellarmine University 3 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Copyright © 2021 By Benjamin Harris 4 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Abstract Students come to college in order to attain a degree that allows them to improve their quality of life (QOL) after graduating (Morris, 2017). However, the stressors associated with attending, including anxiety depression (Beiter et al., 2014), insomnia, and headaches (Caldwell et al., 2017), negatively impact their ability to be successful. It is then necessary for higher education institutions to address those issues by exploring and creating opportunities that can improve student QOL. The objective of this study is to understand the health-related experiences of students enrolled in a university martial arts club during college.
This qualitative case study is informed by the research that identifies physical, mental, emotional, and social health as being key components of good health. Two students at a university kempo club in the southern midwest participated in the study. Themes were identified and analyzed based on the Integrative Quality of Life (IQOL) theory which recognizes subjective and objective well-being as the two critical aspects of health and wellness. Within that theory is the idea that satisfaction with life, happiness, life’s meaning, social norms, fulfillment of needs, and realization of life’s potential are the significant factors that influence students’ QOL during college (Ventegodt et al.
Keywords: quality of life, well-being, higher education, college students, martial arts, kempo karate 5 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Acknowledgements I began my doctoral experience in 2016 eager to start a new journey in my academic and professional careers. Nearly five years later, I proudly stand on the other end of the program with a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education. I spent days and nights on a keyboard for what seemed like an eternity and ultimately persevered to complete the journey. Most of this work was done independently, but I owe much of my success to those around me.
First, I would like to thank my committee members for the guidance and support throughout this process. This extends to my professors and the entire Bellarmine University community for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow. Next, I am thankful for the best cohort members I could ask for. Liz, Phyllis, Jeffrey, Lindsey, Carrie, and OJ, I cannot express how grateful I am to have gone through this process with you.
I value your friendships immensely. I would also like to acknowledge the West Louisville martial arts community. Hanshi Lloyd Johnson III, I am grateful for your love and teachings throughout the years. Much of my determination and resilience is credited to you.
Last, I would like to thank my family for giving me the inspiration, support, and confidence to achieve greatness. The foundation you laid is the road I travel on. Most of all, I am grateful for the guidance and support of my mother. Thank you for your continued support throughout this process and in life.
I will keep striving to continue our family’s legacy. 6 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION An Introduction to the Quality of Life (QOL) of College Students Quality of Life The importance of physical activity, self-regulation, and well-being An Introduction to Martial Arts Martial arts programs in higher education Significance of the Research Methods Limitations Definitions of Key Terms CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Background to the Research Quality of Life of College Students Quality of College Life model Clubs, extracurricular (ECA), and recreational activities A working definition of clubs, ECAs, and recreational activities Benefits of clubs, ECA, and recreational activities in higher education An Overview of Martial Arts Martial arts in Higher Education How Martial Arts can Influence QOL Physical health benefits Self-regulation benefits Mental health benefits Emotional health benefits Social benefits Classifications of Martial Arts Styles Internal styles External styles Modern/sport styles Traditional styles Striking styles Grappling styles Common Martial Arts Styles Tae kwon do Aikido Karate Judo Kung fu Muay Thai Capoeira Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Mixed Martial Arts 7 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Martial Arts Injuries Tae kwon do Aikido Karate Judo Tai chi Muay Thai Capoeira Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu The Safetification of Martial Arts Selecting a Martial Arts Program or Style The Psychological Continuum Model Awareness Attraction Attachment Allegiance The Integrative Quality of Life (IQOL) Theory Subjective Well-Being Objective Well-Being Using the IQOL Theory to Explain the QOL of College Students Satisfaction with life Achieving life satisfaction through martial arts Happiness Attaining happiness through martial arts Life’s meaning Finding life’s meaning through martial arts Social norms Learning social norms through martial arts Fulfillment of needs Needs fulfillment through martial arts Realization of life’s potential Realization of life’s potential through martial arts Strengths of Research Weaknesses of Research The Current Study CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLGY Qualitative Research Rationale for qualitative research Research Design Case study Case study strengths and weaknesses The current study Context and participation selection Theoretical framework Research question 8 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Data collection Data analysis Reflexive Statement Introduction to the research Biases Risks and Safeguards Trustworthiness CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS Research Setting Participants Traditional Martial Arts Participation as Deconstructed by the IQOL Theory Subjective QOL Satisfaction with life through kempo club participation Happiness through kempo club participation Life’s meaning through kempo club participation Objective QOL Social norms in kempo club Fulfillment of needs through kempo club participation Realization of life’s potential through kempo club participation Summary of Chapter Four CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION Research Findings Health Benefits of Traditional Martial Arts Participation Physical benefits of kempo club participation Mental benefits of kempo club participation Emotional benefits of kempo club participation Social benefits of kempo club participation Self-regulation benefits of kempo club participation Theoretical Implications of the Current Study Implications for Future Research Recommendations for Practice 9 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS List of Tables Table Item Table 2.1 Internal and External Martial Arts Styles Table 2.2 Traditional and Modern Martial Arts Styles Table 2.3 Striking and Grappling Martial Arts Styles Table 2.4 The Origins of Various Martial Arts Styles and their Defining Characteristics Table 2.5 Injuries Associated with Common Martial Arts Styles Table 2.6 Categories of the Integrative Quality of Life Theory Table 3.1 The Major Types of Qualitative Research 10 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS List of Figures Figure Item Figure 4.1 Presentation of Findings Figure 4.2 An Image of a Participant in His Karate Uniform Figure 4.3 An Image of the Included Case’s Organizational Patch 11 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS Chapter One: Introduction An Introduction to the QOL of College Students Individuals go to college to gain a post-secondary education and maximize career opportunities which, in turn, lead to a greater quality of life (QOL; Morris, 2017). An important point to consider, though, is that beyond the financial costs associated with pursuing a degree are several health-related consequences. Research shows that college attendance can be stressful and lead to negative health effects such as anxiety and depression which can not only cause performance to suffer but can also lead to other health problems (Beiter et al.
Students often worry about living conditions, keeping up with their grades, and navigating the social landscape of their college experience (Beiter et al. Many also deal with familial pressure and the expectation to perform at a high level which can also cause a high level of anxiety (Beiter et al. A combination of these behaviors can then lead to a lower satisfaction with life, insomnia, headaches, and common colds (Caldwell et al. While college is seen as an opportunity to advance in society, there are many students who suffer the consequences of attending.
The health risks discussed here are significant reasons why this research study is being conducted and justification for why QOL should continue to be addressed by academic research (Deckro et al. A review of that literature revealed the topic of martial arts which emerged as a having a positive influence on the health of practitioners (Gallant, 2016). The research identified in this study suggests that martial arts programs can be investigated as a possible mechanism that higher education institutions can use to improve students’ QOL. Therefore, the overarching research question asks, How does martial arts participation influence the quality of life of college students? 12 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS The research question emerged from research that shows that students are at risk of a low QOL during college (Beiter et al.
To address the problem, research from both qualitative and quantitative studies are presented to evidence the current opportunities that are available to students to improve their QOL during college. In order to do so, however, a definition of QOL must be identified to provide context to the study. Quality of Life QOL, according to the World Health Organization (WHO; World Health Organization, 2016), is the state of physical, mental, emotional and social well-being not limited to the absence of disease. More specific ways to describe QOL include life satisfaction happiness, financial health, the absence of stress, anxiety, sadness, and more (Theofilou, 2013).
Overall, those with a high QOL demonstrate good physical ability, the ability to self-regulate, and have healthy mental, emotional, and social well-being (Sanford & Gill, 2018). Presently, QOL is used by The Princeton Review as one of their ranking categories for colleges. 143,000 students enrolled in over 300 institutions are asked survey questions related to the safety and beauty of their campus, their dorms, food, campus layout, recreational facilities, administration, student friendliness, diversity, and personal happiness, all of which contribute to college students’ well-being and overall QOL. As previously discussed, students are often affected by accommodation, academic performance and support, and overall college experience.
Only the top twenty colleges with the best QOL are featured on Princeton Review’s Best Quality of Life list, and they are recognized as having student-friendly campuses that are conducive to having a healthy college campus and community (Princeton Review, 2019). The following section discusses the importance of physical activity on the ability to self-regulate and improve well-being. 13 INFLUENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS ON THE QOL OF STUDENTS The Importance of Physical Activity, Self-Regulation, and Well-Being Physical activity. Physical activity is a key component of all martial arts which offers more than just physical benefits.