International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 14(3), pp. 674 - 678
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140311
Reprint (PDF) (616Kb)

Self-Perception among Adolescents Who Practice Kickboxing: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Ana Žnidarec Čučković ¹, Katarina Ohnjec ^1,*, Diana Halepović ^2
1 Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
² Kickboxing Club Spartan Gym, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to describe the self-perception profiles of adolescents involved in kickboxing. This research utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive design to examine how adolescents practicing kickboxing perceive their self-image across various domains and to explore potential differences based on gender and age. The research method was a survey using the 'Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents' (2010). The sample was a convenience sample consisting of 33 participants (24 female and 9 male) from a single sports club, 'Spartan Gym' in Zagreb. The results provided a descriptive snapshot of the participants' self-views, showing relatively high scores in sports competence and social domains. Statistical analysis did not indicate significant gender or age differences in self-image across specific dimensions, likely due to the small sample size and low statistical power. The findings offer preliminary insight into the self-perception of this specific group of adolescents. However, the study is limited by its small, homogeneous convenience sample and cross-sectional nature, which precludes causal conclusions. It is unknown whether these self-perception patterns are associated with kickboxing participation or other unmeasured variables such as family environment, personality, or peer networks. Future research requires larger, multi-site samples, control groups, and longitudinal designs to rigorously evaluate any potential relationship between martial arts practice and adolescent self-concept.

KEYWORDS
Self-Image, Self-Perception, Adolescents, Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Descriptive Study

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ana Žnidarec Čučković , Katarina Ohnjec , Diana Halepović , "Self-Perception among Adolescents Who Practice Kickboxing: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 674 - 678, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140311.

(b). APA Format:
Ana Žnidarec Čučković , Katarina Ohnjec , Diana Halepović (2026). Self-Perception among Adolescents Who Practice Kickboxing: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 14(3), 674 - 678. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140311.