Origins of violence in soccer: a psychological survey in southern Brazil

Resumen

This study aimed to analyze the opinions of sports psychologists on the main causes of aggressive attitudes during professional soccer games. Sixteen psychologists from fi rst division teams in Brazil’s Southern region were investigated during the fi rst semester of 2004. They indicated the fi ve most important items in a multiple choice list proposed by the researchers, numbering them in order of importance. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and, in the opinions of this study’s participants, the most worrying factors were the importance of a game (41 points), provocation by opponents (37), coaches’ attitudes (33), team performance (25) and losing scorelines (23). Results suggest the need for professional teams to take measures internally, with the participation of sports psychologists, and also for external measures to be taken, such as changing certain rules of the game in order to decrease aggressiveness on the soccer field.