Abstract
Traditionally, anxiety has been interpreted as a negative emotional state characterized by nervousness, worry, fret, uncertainty and vague fear which could have an adverse effect on sports achievement. On the other hand, sport type and its specific nature and demands, may also be connected with the level of state and trait anxiety. This study aimed to investigate potential differences in the competitive trait anxiety level and general self-esteem according to gender in sports of different contact level. The sample consisted of 1024 (590 males and 434 females) young athletes. Independent variables were sport contact level (non-contact, contact and collision sports) and gender. Dependent variables were measured by the adjusted versions of Sport Competition Anxiety Test and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Basic descriptive statistics was calculated for all the groups, and the differences between them were established using χ² test and MANOVA. The results suggest significant differences in trait competitive anxiety per sport type, gender and their interaction, and no differences in the general self-esteem level. The current study reveals that not only the intensity but also the intergroup relationship of a sport contact level (non-contact, contact and collision sports) is gender determined. These findings are important in psycho-diagnostic procedure and choosing appropriate coping strategies for athletes.
Highlights
Anxiety is interpreted as a negative emotional state which has a negative impact on sports achievement (Weinberg & Gould, 2007)
Considering that specific sport activities might emphasize certain psychological characteristics of athletes (for example: aggressiveness in combat sports (Bojanić et al, 2019), athletes dark triade in team sports (Vaughan et al, 2019), pathology of body–image and eating disorders in aesthetic sports (Coelho et al, 2014) and that gender might be an important factor for choice of sports activity (Koivula, 1995, 1999; Matteo, 1986; Metheny, 1965; Petrović, 2020; Rees et al, 1999; Riemer & Visio, 2003), this study aimed to investigate potential differences in the competitive trait anxiety level and general self-esteem according to gender in non-contact, contact and collision sports
Range on Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) varied from Min = 10 to Max = 30 and on Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) varied from Min = 22 to Max = 50
Summary
Anxiety is interpreted as a negative emotional state which has a negative impact on sports achievement (Weinberg & Gould, 2007). Anxiety is caused by situations that are perceived as threatening because they threaten one’s self-esteem, may cause personal harm, create uncertainty, create frustration (such as being unable to achieve goals), or create pressure (having to take a penalty shot to win a match). It involves fear, worry and doubt and it seems to be due to a lack of confidence in athletes own resources. It is important to mention that Martens et al (1990) distinguish two ways of manifestation of anxiety in sport: somatic state anxiety (perceiving bodily symptoms such as sweaty palms, butterflies) and cognitive state anxiety (worry, concern, negative thoughts and expectations, fear of failure, poor concentration). Trait anxiety level can be related to motor abilities (Fasting, & Gronningsaeter, 1986; Hayden et al, 1986; Heaps, 1978; Leonardson, & Garguilo, 1978; Sanader et al, 2019)
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