Identifying Influential Components on the Self-Regulation of Real Traders in Competitive Financial Markets Using a Thematic Analysis Approach

The study aims to identify the components influencing the self-regulation of real traders in competitive financial markets. this research is applied in terms of its objective and it is qualitative based on a thematic analysis approach. the statistical population includes ceos and chairpersons of boards of directors of companies active in cryptocurrencies, professors, and experts in financial markets. sampling was conducted using a purposeful method based on a theoretical approach. data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in 15 semi-structured individual interviews. the collected qualitative data was analyzed through open and axial coding. in the open coding, the researcher identified 41 concepts. then, based on the initial raw data, preliminary categories related to the phenomenon under investigation were formed by breaking down the information, structuring categories of information about the studied phenomenon, questioning the data, comparing cases, events, and other states of phenomena to identify similarities and differences, which were categorized into 5 categories: 1) acceptance of high investment costs, 2) acceptance of instability in the business environment, 3) lack of trust in the market, 4) acceptance of sudden changes in domestic markets, and 5) emotion management. this systematic evaluation can help a trader correct mistake, change bad habits, and improve overall returns. investors need to be quick, be aware of their greed and fears, and also be able to act flexibly. as it is evident, for any trading, it is necessary to be aware of personal and market psychology beyond specialized trading knowledge.