Study on athletes uncovers links between anger, aggression, and “dark” personality traits in sports

A study of UK athletes and their coaches found links between psychopathy and both anger and aggression. Machiavellianism, another dark personality trait, predicted anger. The study was published in Psychology of Sport & Exercise. Emotions are important in sport. This is particularly the case with anger that can both aid and harm performance. Key features of anger are strong feelings of annoyance, displeasure and hostility. A person can become angry when his/her identity or self-esteem are threatened. Anger has the potential to mobilize a person’s energy, but is very difficult to control and ma...