Self-Defense Training and Traditional Martial Arts: Influences on Self-Efficacy and Fear Related to Sexual Victimization

The purpose of this study was to examine if traditional martial arts (TMA) and modern self-defense training (MSDT), relative to a stress-management comparison program, were equally effective in altering both multidimensional self-efficacy and fear in relation to sexual victimization. Participants in the MSDT group (mean [M] = 3.9) had significant and meaningful test reductions (p < .02) in life-threatening fear relative to the comparison group (M = 4.4) and had significantly higher (M = 8.1) scores than the comparison group (M = 6.4) in self-defense self-efficacy. There were no differences in other forms of self-efficacy (i.e., interpersonal self-efficacy) or fear (i.e., fear of being alone). These results provided some support for the value of MSDT interventions in helping women become more confident and less fearful of sexual victimization.