Study on Competitive Anxiety in Table Tennis Athletes

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The present study aims to explore the levels of competitive anxiety among table tennis athletes, identifying the factors that contribute to it and the impact on performance. Objectives: measuring the level of competitive anxiety, identifying the psychological and physical factors that influence the level of competitive anxiety. Methods: as a research tool, we used the questionnaire-based survey method, in which the measurement tool used was a standardized questionnaire called SCAT, which measures the characteristics of anxiety in both cognitive and somatic subcomponents. The research sample was composed of 53 adult athletes, who practice table tennis and who participated or are active participants in competitions organized by the Romanian Table Tennis Federation. Results: Analyzing the results of the questionnaire, some interesting trends were observed in relation to competition anxiety and its associated physical symptoms among athletes: an increased percentage of athletes reported low anxiety, suggesting a high degree of confidence in their abilities to perform in competitions; regarding the differences between men and women, the majority of men (61.29%) are in the category of low anxiety, while 50% of women are in the category of medium anxiety; Regarding physical symptoms, according to respondents' feedback, physical symptoms of anxiety are rare. Conclusions: The study results suggest that competitive anxiety is a prevalent problem among table tennis athletes with a notable impact on performance. Gender differences in the perception and manifestation of anxiety may require tailored intervention strategies. Keywords: anxiety, table tennis, sports performance