Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Psychological Effects of Training in Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma Alexandro Garcia Vargas Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, and the Quantitative Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Alexandro Garcia Vargas has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Carolyn Davis, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Michael Johnson, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Virginia Salzer, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Psychological Effects of Training in Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma by Alexandro Garcia Vargas MBA, University of Phoenix, 2010 BS, University of Phoenix, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2019 Abstract Individuals who experience a traumatic event may have an adverse emotional reaction that negatively impacts their quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the influence of training in the martial arts as an intervention in the treatment of interpersonal trauma. The biopsychosocial model provided the framework for the study. The research questions addressed the effects of training in the martial arts and the biological, psychological, and social functioning of individuals who had sustained a form of interpersonal trauma. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 9 participants. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’s modified van Kamm method. Findings indicated that martial arts training was transformative and positive for participants. Benefits included mentorship, a sense of achievement, increased confidence, better parenting, and recovery from substance abuse. Findings may be used to promote martial arts training as a treatment intervention for people who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Psychological Effects of Training in Martial Arts After Interpersonal Trauma by Alexandro Garcia Vargas MBA, University of Phoenix, 2010 BS, University of Phoenix, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University May 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation and completion of my work to my beautiful and amazing wife, Nora Vargas, who supported me throughout the journey of my life. I also dedicate this dissertation to my amazing kids, Merrick and Ayden Vargas, for their patience, understanding, and constant support despite their age. Lastly, I dedicate this work to my amazing mother, Guadalupe Vargas, who despite being a single parent never gave up on me. Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to achieve my fullest potential. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength, courage, and guidance throughout this difficult and strenuous journey, and for allowing me to believe in myself and overcome obstacles, challenges, and doubt faced during this journey. I would like to acknowledge my dissertation committee chair, Dr. Carolyn A. Davis, and second committee member, Dr. Michael Johnson, for their continuous support, guidance, and motivation. Thank you both for your time and patience that helped me produce quality scholarly work. I would like to acknowledge my martial arts instructor, Sifu J. R. Diaz, from Double Dragon Kenpo Karate in Sanger, CA. He has always been more than an instructor; he has been my friend, mentor, and supporter throughout this journey. He motivated me when I lacked motivation, cheered me up when I was down, and continuously reassured me that I was more than capable of completing this journey when I doubted myself. Thank you for your support, patience, and always being there for me. I would like to acknowledge my siblings, Adriana Rivera, Rey Vargas, Daniel Vargas, and Lucero Vargas, for their continuous support and patience throughout this journey and always being there when I needed an ear to vent. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Tyson D. Bailey who provided me with guidance and help with completing this project. His research was an inspiration to completing my dissertation. I would like to acknowledge my father, Reynaldo Vargas, whom unbeknownst to him contributed to my success and who I have become. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5 Research Questions ........................................................................................................5 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................6 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................7 Definitions......................................................................................................................8 Assumptions .................................................................................................................10 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................10 Limitations ...................................................................................................................11 Significance..................................................................................................................12 Summary ......................................................................................................................13 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................15 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................16 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................17 Literature Review.........................................................................................................18 Phenomenon of Interpersonal Trauma .................................................................. 19 Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma ....................................................................... 20 Therapeutic Models Addressing Trauma .............................................................. 21 i Tri-Phasic Model: A Treatment Approach Toward Healing ................................ 21 Martial Arts Training: An Alternative Treatment for Interpersonal Trauma ....... 24 Integration of Martial Arts in Psychotherapy ....................................................... 25 Understanding the Impact and Healing of Interpersonal Trauma ......................... 27 Martial Arts: An Alternative Perception ............................................................... 39 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 40 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................42 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................44 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................44 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................45 Methodology ................................................................................................................47 Participant Selection Logic ................................................................................... 47 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 48 Interview Protocol ................................................................................................. 50 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .......................... 50 Data Analysis Plan ................................................................................................ 52 Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................53