Stressors and coping strategies in esports: a systematic review

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this systematic review, we provide an overview of stressors and coping strategies in esports, emphasizing the goal of informing applied practice and guiding future research. Guided by the PRISMA guidelines and employing the SPIDER framework, we synthesize findings from 19 studies. Performance stressors such as defeat and performance pressure (e.g. pressure to win) were prominently observed, along with team, social, organizational, and personal stressors. Coping strategies, aligned with Nicholls et al. ((2016). The development of a new sport-specific classification of coping and a meta-analysis of the relationship between different coping strategies and moderators on sporting outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology, 7(11), 1–14), demonstrate internal regulation was the most frequently reported, followed by mastery coping, while goal withdrawal strategies were less frequently reported. Comparing esports to traditional sports highlights the role of social stressors such as social media and public perceptionin esports. However, personal stressors remain relatively unexplored. The review also identifies research gaps in stressor appraisal and communal coping strategies. Future research could delve into personal stressors, considering a wide array of psychological factors, and employing dynamic methodologies. Practical implications revolve around tailored interventions, promoting open communication, mastery coping techniques, and holistic well-being strategies. This review provides a broader understanding of esports stressors and coping strategies, offering a starting point for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing performance and well-being in the distinctive competitive landscape of esports.