Coping with Stress and Sense of Efficacy, as well as Satisfaction with Life in Young Athletes - a Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: In research on styles of coping with stress conducted among athletes has demonstrated various variables determining these styles, e.g. age [1], gender [2], and styles of thinking [3]. Factors responsible for effective coping with difficult situations are sought, and consequently, greater satisfaction with life. In the presented report, it was recognised that one of the variables related to effective coping and thus, with life satisfaction, is self-efficacy. Aim of research: In this work, it was decided to establish relationships between styles of coping with stress by athletes, their sense of self-efficacy and overall satisfaction with life, as well as the type of difficult situations experienced by them. Group and method: The study comprised 40 participants, 14 women and 26 men practicing sports, 1st-year students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. The mean age was 20.43±1.22 years. Of the subjects, 25 people practiced individual disciplines, while 15 team sports. The questionnaire “Perception of difficult situations by adolescents in sport”, the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Coping In Stressful Situations Questionnaire were used. Results: The results showed a relationship between life satisfaction and the task-oriented style of coping with stress (positive correlation) as well as the emotional style of coping with stress, engaging in substitute activities, and stressful situations - except those related to academic stress (negative correlation); self-efficacy and the task-oriented (positive correlation) and emotional style of coping with stress (negative correlation) and sense of self-efficacy and satisfaction with life (positive correlation). Conclusion: There is a relationship between the styles of coping with stress and the level of satisfaction with life as well as the level of self-efficacy among individuals practicing sports.