Investigation of football players’ anger, aggression, and personality traits according to different demographic characteristics

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between football players’ personality traits and their levels of aggression and anger in sports according to various demographic variables. The study was conducted using the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of 718 active football players competing during the 2024–2025 football season. Of the participants, 642 were male and 76 were female athletes. Personal Information Form, Big Five Personality Traits Scale, and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale were used as data collection tools. The data were collected online through Google Forms. Frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation, and regression analyses were used in the analysis of the data. The findings revealed significant relationships between football players’ personality traits and their levels of aggression and anger. In particular, neuroticism was positively associated with aggression and anger levels, whereas agreeableness and self-control traits were negatively associated with aggression and anger. In addition, demographic variables such as age, years of sports participation, and educational status created significant differences in athletes’ aggression and anger levels. Based on the findings, it was concluded that personality traits are important determinants of aggression and anger behaviors in athletes.