‘Strong and courageous’ but ‘constantly insecure’: dialogical self theory, intersecting identities, and Christian mixed martial arts

Figures & data

Table 1. Differences between the two main I-positions

‘Ron the Fighter’	‘Ron the Pater Familias’
•ambition, desire to win	•resignation, longing for peace of mind
•autonomy, adventures	•responsibility, worries
•focus in the present and the events of the outward world	•focus in the past and in the future as well as one’s own internal world
•a clear and unambiguous view of one’s role and relationships	•role ambiguity, complicated relationships
•‘Cornerman God’ helps to overcome obstacles but stays on the background	•God and religion provide meaning in challenging times
•key virtues: stamina, respect	•key virtues: submission, contentment, gratefulness