Abstract
(1) Background: Several studies have shown that high anxiety impairs sport performance, making it important to develop strategies which improve the emotional self-regulation of athletes. The present study analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence, motivational climate in sport, and anxiety according to participation in contact or non-contact sports, using multi-group structural equation modeling; (2) Methods: This research was conducted with a sample of 371 semi-professional athletes from Spain. The main variables were emotional intelligence, motivational climate in sport, and anxiety. A multi-group path analysis was developed and demonstrated acceptable fit (χ2 = 418.60; df = 46; p < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.959; Normalized Fit Index (NFI) = 0.955; Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.959; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.063); (3) Results: A negative association was identified between task-oriented climate and ego-oriented climate. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between task-oriented climate and emotional intelligence, which was strongest in individuals participating in non-contact sports. The relationship between ego-oriented climate and emotional intelligence was less evident. Furthermore, both state anxiety and trait anxiety were negatively correlated with emotional intelligence; (4) Conclusions: The key conclusion from the present research is that task-oriented motivational climates positively influence levels of emotional intelligence and anxiety, especially in contact sports. It is important to encourage the development of self-determined motivational climates in order to avoid emotional states which can hinder performance.
Highlights
Many studies of sport participation cite psychological variables as crucial tools for optimizing performance [1,2]
The global structural equation model developed for the relationships between motivational climTathee, agnlxoibeatyl, satnrudcetmuroatlioenqaulaitnitoenllimgeondceelindeavthelleotpeesddefmoronthsetrarteeldatgioonosdhifiptsinbdeitcwese.eTnhme cohtiiv-saqtuioanraedl cvliamluaetew, aasnxsiigetnyi,ficaanndte.teDsedspemiteotnhsitsr,avteadlugesoocoduflidt ninodt ibceesi.ntTehrpercehteidsquared value was significant (χ2 = 418.60; df = 46; p < 0.001)
The present study identified a positive relationship between a task-oriented climate and emotional intelligence, in addition to a negative relationship between these variables and anxiety
Summary
Many studies of sport participation cite psychological variables as crucial tools for optimizing performance [1,2]. Previous research has shown that psychological preparation strategies can be successfully utilized to combat negative emotional states often experienced by athletes as anxiety, and to prolong high levels of adherence and performance throughout the sporting season [2]. There is some research evidence affirming that anxiety can be a positive influence for athletes undertaking certain tasks [7], it is evident that anxiety generally exerts a negative influence on sport performance. It has been demonstrated that athletes who possess self-determined motivations towards the practice of their sport present lower levels of state anxiety when confronted with negative situations [13]. The relationship between anxiety and sports motivation is a pertinent topic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
