Identification and Analysis the Dimensions of Tendency to Superstition in the Field of Sport (Foundation-Based of Grounded Theory Approach)

Today, superstition has been criticized by researchers as one of the social deviations, and sport has not been immune from the propagation of superstition as an important social phenomenon with an unpredictable nature. Since superstition is one of the most common problems in modern sport, the purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of tendency toward superstitions in Iranian sport. The exploratory approach was conducted qualitatively and grounded theory method was used. Firstly, by identifying the effective factors in the library of the Preliminary List, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 knowledgeable experts. For data analysis, logic inductive method was used during three open, axial and selective coding stages. After interviewing the experts, the results in open coding indicate that 83 codes were identified in superstitions in Iranian sports. Then at the axial coding stage, the tags were categorized in 22 concepts. Finally, 3 identified components derived from selective coding including structural, contextual, and behavioral categories were classified. It seems that there is no definite strategy for communicating with superstitions in sport, and in addition to training at all three levels of macro, middle, and wisdom, there is a need for social mechanisms, the creation of desirability and the use of non-homogeneous symbols and ultimately self-development Athlete's mental and emotional aspects.