The problem that this study addressed was the lack of a survey tool to adequately assess the impact of practicing capoeira, including for People of Color who are male adults attending undergraduate and graduate universities. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the value and utility of a new survey designed to enhance research and scholarship on capoeira, while seeking to identify significant predictors of high ratings for having experienced beneficial impacts from capoeira.
A small sample permitted only a pilot study that was largely exploratory in nature with suggestive findings. The sample of undergraduate and graduate students was 100% male (N=59) with a mean age of 25; and 47.5% identified as Black, 22% as Asian American, 27.1% as White, and 8.5% identifying as Latinx.
Findings showed men reported closest to good physical health and between fair and good mental/emotional health. The mean number of years engaged in capoeira was two years, while playing between three times per month and once per week. Some 78% played capoeira at moderate intensity with 17% reporting high or very high intensity. The sample indicated experiencing a mean of 4 out of the 5 elements of the graduation (batizado) experience. They indicated a moderately high level for experiencing elements of classic capoeira with the highest rated being showcasing trickery without inflicting harm. Common experiences during the capoeira included feelings of transcendence, feeling accepted by others, and encouragement to develop one’s own identity. They indicated a high level of beneficial impacts from capoeira with the top ranked being a more positive attitude and a greater sense of control over one’s life.
Noteworthy findings indicated men of color had significantly higher beneficial impacts from capoeira than White men. Both the Pearson correlations and regression found higher beneficial impacts were associated with higher exposure to the basic elements of capoeira, higher exposure during capoeira play to commonly reported experiences, and higher race-related stress due to being a Person of Color. The benefits found for men of color and those experiencing higher race-related stress support university investments, so men of color have access to community-based capoeira.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:columbia.edu/oai:academiccommons.columbia.edu:10.7916/w99x-k567 |
| Date | January 2023 |
| Creators | Johnson, Jonathan |
| Source Sets | Columbia University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Theses |
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