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European Journal of Education Studies ISSN: 2501 - 1111 ISSN-L: 2501 - 1111 Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu Volume 3 │Issue 10 │2017 doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1034433 EXAMINING AGGRESSION LEVELS OF ELITE RUGBY ATHLETES IN TERMS OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS Levent Bayrami*, Deniz Özge Yüceloğlu Keskin, Özgür Bostanci, Menderes Kabadayi, Deniz Günay Derebaşi Ondokuz Mayıs University, Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences, Turkey Abstract: The aim of this research is to study the correlation between the aggression level and communication skills of elite rugby athletes. The study was conducted with a total of 115 rugby athletes (37 female, 78 male) who played on teams that took place in the Turkish Rugby League during 2016-2017. A 4-question demographic survey and the Kiper (1984) Aggression Scale were applied to the athletes as well as the Communication Skills inventory of Ersanlı and Balcı. The group of rugby athletes aged 25 and below was found to be at a higher bold aggression level compared to the group aged 26 and above (p<0.05). As for the passive aggression subscale scores, the group aged 25 and below was at a lower level compared to the group aged 26 and above (p<0.05). The bold aggression level of rugby athletes with a university education was higher compared to athletes with a high school and elementary education (p<0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was found between bold aggression subscale scores and total communication skills scores. As a result, it can be said that the communication skills of athletes need to be increased in order to decrease disruptive and passive aggression and increase bold behavior. As communication skills improve, the possibility of displaying aggressive approaches and behavior decrease. Keywords: rugby, aggression, communication skills 1. Introduction Although aggression is a type of behavior that is defined differently by many psychologists, they all agree that aggressive instinct is a part of human nature. The Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. © 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 475 Levent Bayram, Deniz Özge Y(celoğlu Keskin, Özgür Bostanci, Menderes Kabadayi, Deniz G(nay Derebaşi EXAMINING AGGRESSION LEVELS OF ELITE RUGBY ATHLETES IN TERMS OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS possibility of displaying aggressive behavior can be seen when a person aims for a living being during a situation of disturbance (Kaufmann et al., 1970). Lorenz (1983) states that aggression serves for the same purpose in humans. According to Lorenz, aggression is a highly dangerous instinct towards the preservation of life. This instinct is within in the human being and waits to emerge. Social learning theoreticians, on the other hand, prefer to explain aggression based on learning. Aggression is categorized as disruptive aggression, bold aggression and passive aggression. Disruptive aggression is considered equal to hostility-based aggression. Humans may experience complex emotions such as disappointment, sorrow or fear when their expectations do not materialize. An individual experiencing this emotional intensity may display aggressive behavior that is not accepted by society. In this situation, the person believes that a certain source is causing harm, and approaches that source with the intention to harm it in a certain way Bostan & Kılcıgil, 2008 . In boldness, the individual considers the rights of the other person while defending their own personal rights, thoughts and feelings. An athlete is considered bold when they use their physical strength without violating game rules. A boxer who surpasses the opponent with a punch without violating the rules is considered as bold, not aggressive (Dervent et al., 2010). In order to mention aggression, there needs to be a displayed behavior that aims to do harm, and this harm must be done. This could be physical or psychological. Not only hitting or kicking, but also swearing at someone displays aggression (Tiryaki, 2000). For viewing / downloading the full article, please access the following link: https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejes/article/view/1124 European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 10 │ 2017 476