Analysis of the functions of zurkhaneh sports based on the perspective of social psychology

Sport is a phenomenon that has always had social and cultural effects in human societies. Such results make addressing the dimensions of social psychology in zurkhaneh sport more prominent due to the combination of rituals and patterns of social behaviour in zurkhaneh sport culture. Therefore, the present study sought to analyze the functions of zurkhaneh sport from social psychology. This study was done with the qualitative data method of the grounded theory and the analysis of interviews with experts. Finally, the theoretical model of social psychology functions in zurkhaneh sport formulated with four categories; Zurkhaneh sports subculture, heroic identity, influential social networks and leadership characteristics were formed. According to the findings, in the Zurkhaneh sports subculture, leadership behaviours, communication patterns, and behavioural expectations are well accepted, and a high level of trust is established. They indicate that zurkhaneh sports have important functions in socio-sports psychology, which can be used at the community level by planning to take advantage of its capacities.