Examining the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation Strategies, Parental Attitudes, and Fair Play Behaviors Among Young Wrestlers

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the correlation between emotion regulation strategies, parental attitudes, and fair play behaviors in young male wrestlers. This research was conducted using a correlational survey model. The sample consisted of 234 male wrestlers (Mage=15±0.46; Mexperience=4.2±1.21) who participated in the U17 Turkish Wrestling Championship in 2026, selected using convenience sampling. The data collection instruments used in the research were a demographic form, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA), the Frequency of Exhibiting Fair Play Behaviors Scale, and the Parental Attitudes Scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used to assess the data. The findings indicated a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the responsibility factor and reappraisal (r = .443, p < .01). The responsibility factor was also positively associated with the team (r = .177, p < .01), opponent (r = .272, p < .01), and negative behavior (r = .143, p < .05) subscales of fair play behavior. No significant associations were found between the authority factor and any of the fair play behavior subscales (p > .05). Reappraisal was positively associated with the team (r = .139, p < .05) and opponent (r = .232, p < .01) subscales, whereas suppression was positively associated only with the team subscale (r = .152, p < .05). Furthermore, greater sport experience was associated with lower scores on the negative behavior subscale (r = −.142, p < .05). The findings suggest that supportive parental attitudes, particularly those reflected in the responsibility factor, together with adaptive emotion regulation strategies such as Reappraisal, may play an important role in promoting fair play–related behaviors among young wrestlers. These findings highlight the importance of considering both family-related and psychological factors when designing interventions aimed at fostering ethical behavior in sport. Furthermore, the findings may provide practical implications for coaches, educators, and parents seeking to support young athletes' psychosocial development and fair play–related behaviors.