Effectiveness of Chinese martial arts and ethics to reduce reactive and proactive aggression in schoolchildren

Traditional Chinese martial arts is not only a set of combat skills, but is also a code of ethics. The present study examined the effectiveness of Chinese martial arts training group in reducing aggressive behaviors among schoolchildren aged 6 – 13 years. A total of 3,511 schoolchildren from 12 primary schools in Hong Kong completed a screening questionnaire, in which Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ; Raine et al., 2006) was used to assess individuals’ aggressive behavior. 315 respondents who scored z ≥ 1 in total score of the RPQ were shortlisted and randomly assigned into four types of intervention training group. Intervention included (i) Chinese martial skills only (Skills), (ii) Chinese martial ethics only (Ethics), (iii) both Chinese martial skills and ethics (Skills and Ethics), and (iv) Physical Fitness (placebo) . Results suggested that 3 experimental groups were effective in reducing children’ s reactive and proactive aggression, and experience of anger. The Skills and Ethics group produced the greatest improvement, followed by the Ethics group, then the Skills group. The Physical Fitness group was found to be effective in reducing aggressive behaviors but not experience of anger. The distinct features of Chinese martial skills and ethics were examined. The implication of using Chinese martial arts as an aggression-reducing intervention was also discussed.