The effect of mental skills training on competitive anxiety in schoolboy rugby players

Abstract

This study sets out to evaluate the effect of mental skills training on pre-match competitive anxiety in schoolboy rugby players. Participants (M = 13.3 years) were assigned into control (n = 20) and intervention groups (n = 20). Both groups completed the modified Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) at two baseline and two follow-up matches, with the intervention group receiving two 2-hour sessions of mental skills training after the two baseline matches. Results indicated no statistically significant effects for the mental skills training on any of the domains of competitive anxiety, apart from statistically significant group and time main effects for somatic anxiety intensity. The results raise doubts regarding the suitability of the current mode of mental skills training for young athletes in contact team sports. Future work should explore how to best tailor a programme to suit the needs of such athletes and investigate the timeframe required for proper evaluation.