Assessment of causal attributions related to weight loss in athletes from different combat sports

Egemen Ermiş; Aydan Ermiş; Osman İmamoglu

doi:10.15561/20755279.2026.0103

Authors

Egemen Ermiş Ondokuz Mayıs University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3976-6981
Aydan Ermiş Ondokuz Mayıs University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2285-7980
Osman İmamoglu Ondokuz Mayıs University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6671-6042

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2026.0103

Keywords:

causal attribution, combat athlete, external control, internal control, weight loss

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Rapid weight loss before competition is a common practice in combat sports. Athletes apply various methods to achieve weight reduction prior to official weigh-ins. These practices may influence both competitive readiness and health status. This study aims to examine differences in causal attributions related to weight loss in athletes of different combat sports in terms of gender, type of combat sport, and weight loss status. Material and Methods. The Causal Dimensions Scale was completed by 280 athletes (145 males and 135 females). Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and the LSD test were used in the analysis of the results to determine differences between groups. Results. No significant difference was found in the locus of causality dimension with respect to gender (p>0.05). Significant differences were found in the external control, personal control, and stability dimensions (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were found in the causality, external control, personal control, and stability dimensions in terms of the sport being Olympic or non-Olympic (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found in these dimensions according to the classification of sports as grappling-based or striking-based (p<0.05). The difference in locus of causality, external control, personal control, and stability dimensions was statistically significant when comparing athletes who lost weight before every competition, before important competitions, and those who never lost weight (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Conclusions. Causal attributions related to weight loss in combat sports athletes differed in terms of gender, participation in Olympic or non-Olympic sports, and weight loss status. Olympic sport athletes attributed success more to internal, controllable, and stable factors, whereas external attributions were more prominent in non-Olympic sports. Athletes who lost weight before every competition had lower control perceptions and more unstable causal attributions. Planning sport-specific psychological skills training, especially in non-Olympic sports, is recommended to strengthen practices aimed at increasing control perceptions and to reduce frequent weight loss practices in combat sports athletes.

Author Biographies

Egemen Ermiş, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Assoc. Prof. Dr.; egemen.ermis@omu.edu.tr; Faculty of Sport Sciences; Samsun, Turkey.

Aydan Ermiş, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Assoc. Prof. Dr.; aydanak@omu.edu.tr; School of Foreign Languages; Samsun, Turkey.

Osman İmamoglu, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Prof. Dr.; osmani55@hotmail.com; Faculty of Sport Sciences; Samsun, Turkey.

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