The Effect of Posıtıve Future Expectations on Anger and Aggression in Athletes

This study examines the effect of positive future expectations on anger and aggression among athletes. The study used a correlational survey design, a quantitative research method. The sample consisted of 312 athletes selected via criterion sampling. Of the athletes, 171 were female (mean age = 20.60 ± 1.978) and 141 were male (mean age = 21.84 ± 4.045). The Positive Future Expectations Scale and the Anger and Aggression in Sports Scale were used as data collection tools in the study. The data were confirmed to follow a normal distribution and were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. An independent- samples t-test was used for independent-group comparisons. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables, and simple linear regression was used to examine the effect of positive future expectations on anger and aggression. A two-sample t-test revealed that male athletes had higher anger and aggression scores than female athletes (p < .01). A correlation analysis revealed a negative, significant relationship between positive future expectations and anger and aggression (r = -0.315, p < .001). A weak negative relationship was observed between age and anger and aggression, while no significant relationship was found between age and positive future expectations. According to simple linear regression analysis, positive future expectations significantly predict anger and aggression (β = -0.315, t = -5.848, p < .001; R² = 0.099). Positive future expectations significantly reduce levels of anger and aggression in athletes; male athletes have higher levels of anger and aggression compared to females, and a weak negative relationship was observed between age and these behaviors.