Precompetitive Anxiety Research Articles

Connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with varying sports performances based on brain-gut axis theory

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to investigate the connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with different sports performances.MethodsOne week prior to a national competition, 12 wrestlers completed anxiety questionnaires. Faecal and urine samples were collected for the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites through the high-throughput sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene in conjunction with untargeted metabolomics technology. The subjects were divided into two groups, namely, achievement (CP) and no-achievement (CnP) wrestlers, on the basis of whether or not their performances placed them in the top 16 at the competition. The relationship amongst the variations in gut microbiota, metabolites, and anxiety indicators was analyzed.Results(1) The CP group exhibited significantly higher levels of “state self-confidence,” “self-confidence,” and “somatic state anxiety” than the CnP group. Conversely, the CP group displayed lower levels of “individual failure anxiety” and “sports competition anxiety” than the CnP group. (2) The gut microbiota in the CP group was more diverse and abundant than that in the CnP group. Pre-competition anxiety was linked to Oscillospiraceae UCG_005, Paraprevotella, Ruminococcaceae and TM7x. (3) The functions of differential metabolites in faeces and urine of the CP/CnP group were mainly enriched in caffeine metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and VEGF and mTOR signaling pathways. Common differential metabolites in feces and urine were significantly associated with multiple anxiety indicators.ConclusionsWrestlers with different sports performance have different pre-competition anxiety states, gut microbiota distribution and abundance and differential metabolites in faeces and urine. A certain correlation exists between these psychological and physiological indicators.

Position and ranking influence in padel: somatic anxiety and self-confidence increase in competition for left-side and higher-ranked players when compared to pressure training.

This study aimed to analyze the differences in the precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence according to the side of play, the ranking and the match outcome, under different competitive scenarios, in high level men's padel players from Finland who trained under pressure prior to the competition. 10 men's padel players (28.60 (4.17) years old) from the highest category participated in the research. The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including Mann-Whitney's U tests. The findings illuminate that, across the player spectrum, somatic anxiety and self-confidence levels are higher before competition compared to training matches. This trend holds true for left-side, higher-ranked and match winning players. Even lower-ranked players exhibit heightened self-confidence preceding competitions. These insights offer valuable considerations for players, coaches, and sports psychologists, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between pressure training, competition, and the athlete's psychological landscape.

Psychological Profile of Hungarian International-Level Distance Runners

The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological profile of the 2023 Hungarian National Distance Running Team in terms of personality traits, motivational styles, and competitive anxiety and to explore specific psychosocial factors that characterize the athletes’ mental preparation. The 16 international-level competitors were assessed using validated questionnaires in Hungarian (Big Five Inventory, the revised Sport Motivation Scale, and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2), and university students competing at professional and semiprofessional levels served as the control group. Results indicated that elite distance runners were primarily intrinsically motivated. Their psychological profile appeared similar to profiles found among athletes in the control group. Significant differences were found in traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, and motivation. Neuroticism was positively associated with athletes’ cognitive and somatic anxiety, with self-confidence providing a protective role. Working with a sports psychologist appeared to have no significant measurable effect on athletes precompetition anxiety. Specific personality traits and motivational structures are essential for elite sporting performance. Further research is needed to better understand and determine the specific components of mental preparation.

Fear of failure and anxiety in kurash athletes: gender and age differences

Purpose: The study’s purpose was to investigate and compare the fear of failure among kurash athletes of different ages and gender on their pre-competition anxiety levels.
 Material and Methods. For this study, a total of 275 athletes (age range between 12-29 years) voluntarily participated and were divided into two age groups. Their mean age was 24.2±3.7 years). To test the anxiety level before the competition, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) was used. Fear of failure among the athletes was measured with the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI). The data were analyzed by SPSS for Windows and expressed as the mean and standard deviation. To test the research hypotheses, the t-tests were used, and P values were set at p<0.05 for all measures.
 Results. The result suggested a strong positive correlation between pre-competition anxiety and fear of failure. Kurash athletes who showed elevated pre-competition anxiety levels also exhibited higher fear of failure. Boys and men kurash players exhibited a higher level of competition anxiety and fear of failure when compared to their female counterparts.
 Conclusions. This study has revealed that male kurash athletes are more vulnerable to anxiety and fear before the competition and has also proved that with age anxiety and fear also grow among the kurash exponents. Hence, the training protocols and programs should incorporate the means and methods to address the athletes suitably so that their performance will be at its best.

Precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence during the 2023 Finnish Padel championship in high level men's players.

The aim of the current study was to assess precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence in high level men's padel players from Finland. Twenty eight men's padel players from the highest category participated in the research (87.5% of the target population). The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including the Kruskal Wallis's H and Mann-Whitney's U tests. The results show that seeded players presented lower levels of cognitive anxiety (η2 = 0.111). Moreover, losers of first round presented more state anxiety than winners (η2 = 0.302). Before the first match, state anxiety was higher than prior to the second match (η2 = 0.148). Furthermore, lower ranked players of first round, compared to second, presented more state anxiety and somatic anxiety (η2 = 0.487 and η2 = 0.277, respectively). However, according to the results obtained, self-confidence was not affected by any of the variables analyzed (ranking, seed, result or round). These findings may be of great interest to players, coaches and sports psychologists, as they allow an enhanced comprehension of the player's level of anxiety and self-confidence.

Volleyball Players Pre-Competitive Anxiety: Sex-Based Differences and Relationship with Sport Characteristics

Background. The issue of pre-competition anxiety is multidimensional and there is still a lack of complex studies in multiple sports as well as in volleyball analysing the relationships of pre-competitive anxiety with multiple correlates. Methods. The research participants were male and female volleyball players from fore Lithuanian teams. The questionnaires were completed by 37 athletes (51.4% females) aged between 20 and 41 years (median age 23.0 years). Questions about Competitive State Anxiety (CSAI-2), socio-demographic and sport characteristics were answered 40 minutes before the pre-competition warm-up. Results. The level of female and male pre-competition anxiety components was similar (p > 0.05). Direct associations were found between cognitive and somatic anxiety in both sex groups (p < 0.001). In the female group, cognitive anxiety was higher compared to somatic anxiety (p < 0.05). In the male subgroup cognitive anxiety was directly associated with age (p < 0.05). Relationships with sport characteristics (N=37): the level of cognitive anxiety was directly related to the number of years of playing volleyball (p < 0.05); volleyball players who reported having sufficient knowledge to manage competitive anxiety had lower levels of cognitive anxiety (p < 0.05), and lower self-confidence (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The research data may help to better understand the manifestation of volleyball players’ pre-competitive anxiety in sex groups and the relationship with sport characteristics. On the basis of this data, specialists will be able to formulate and test hypotheses of further research as well as select areas of preventive and educational work. Keywords: volleyball, cognitive and somatic anxiety, self-confidence, gender groups, sport characteristics.

Does Gender, Sports Age, Type of Listening Music Affect Pre-Competition Anxiety in Adolescent Athletes?

Athletes listen to music during training and competitions, in order to have fun, gain motivation and increase performance. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of gender, sports age and type of listening music to pre-competition anxiety level in adolescent athletes. Cross-sectional research method, one of the quantitative research design was used. The population of the study consists of athletes between the ages of 14-18 who have a good training level and participate to competitions. The sample consists of a total of 140 adolescent athletes (age: 16.55±4.67) who are engaged in individual and team sports from different branches. Data were collected with the “Revised Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R)”. “T-test” and “ANOVA” test were used in the analysis of the data. No significant difference between the groups in sognitive anxiety (CA) and somatic anxiety (SA) scores according to type of listening music (p>0.05), but a significant difference in self-confidence (SC) scores in favor of those who listening to arabesque music (p0.05). As a result, it can be said that listening to arabesque music before the competition increases the level of self-confidence of adolescent athletes and accordingly reduces the level of anxiety.

Psychological Factors Affecting Athletes' Motivation and Performance in Competitive Sports in Mexico

Purpose: The study sought to investigate the Psychological Factors Affecting Athletes' Motivation and Performance in Competitive Sports in Mexico
 Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: Psychological factors significantly impact athletes' motivation and performance in competitive sports. High self-efficacy and clear goal-setting practices are associated with improved motivation and performance, while athlete burnout, often resulting from stress and overtraining, negatively affects both. Autonomy and self-determination foster higher motivation and better performance, as do positive coach-athlete relationships. Managing pre-competition anxiety is crucial, as high anxiety levels can reduce motivation and performance. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these psychological factors to optimize athlete performance in the realm of competitive sports.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the education should focus on building psychological skills, such as goal setting, visualization, and stress management, which can significantly impact motivation and performance. Coaches and sports psychologists should work closely with athletes to create personalized mental training plans. Sporting organizations should adopt policies that mandate the use of performance profiling and individualized psychological support for athletes at all levels.

The relationship between emotional intelligence, anxiety, and performance in physical education and sport students.

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been recently the main target in research on sports psychology. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relation between self-report measures of emotional intelligence, pre-competitive anxiety, and performance among students during the physical education exam of the high school final year. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 350 students attending the physical education exam in the year 2021-2022. Analysis of the correlations between the scores of Emotional intelligence and anxiety showed that self-confidence was positively correlated with all dimensions of Emotional intelligence (Beta = 0.524; p = 0.000). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the most related items to performance were self-confidence in a positive direction (r = 0.56; p = 0.000) and negatively with somatic anxiety (r = -0, 39; p = 0.000). Considering the Emotional intelligence subscales, hetero-emotional management was significantly positively associated with performance (p = 0.000) however emotional perception was negatively correlated with performance (p = 0.003). These results demonstrate the importance of social and emotional learning programs for improving self-confidence and better management of emotions during physical education and sports.

The relationship between locus of control and pre-competitive anxiety in highly trained soccer players.

Previous studies have not considered the potential association between locus of control and precompetitive anxiety in elite soccer players. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study examined The prediction of locus of control on precompetitive anxiety in highly trained cadet soccer players. Based on a literature review, our research question was: can the locus of control be considered as an explanatory element of precompetitive anxiety? Thirty-five Tunisian highly trained soccer players licensed from two regional soccer clubs aged between 15 and 16 years participated in the resent study. All participants were evaluated using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. The relationship between measures of anxiety, self-confidence and the locus of control scores were analyzed using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Further, multiple linear stepwise multiple regression models were calculated to determine the most robust predictors of the locus of control. Based on our findings, the regression analysis explains up to 21.3% of the total variation of our independent variable (locus of control) and explains only 21.3% of the variability of our dependent variable somatic anxiety. Furthermore, locus of control explains 61.9% of the variability in self-confidence. The locus of control can be used for the detection and selection of young athletic talent to identify individuals with the best psychological aptitude to cope with psychological problems related to sports performance. Preparing highly trained soccer players on how to deal with their anxiety could prevent them from becoming overwhelmed when they feel powerless to change their situation during competition.

Pre-Competition Anxiety Levels Among Rahim Kajai College Athletes in Intercollegiate Sports Competitions

Pre-Competition Anxiety Levels Among Rahim Kajai College Athletes in Intercollegiate Sports Competitions

Investigation of the pre-competition anxiety levels of national team athletes participating in the kickboxing European championship according to their personality characteristics

This study is aimed to determine the relationship between the pre-competition anxiety levels and personality traits of the national team athletes competing in the Kickboxing European Championships. 82 national team athletes participated in the Kickboxing European Championships. The study consists of two scales: the 20-item STAI Form TX-1 and the 30-item Rapid Big Five Personality Test. Data analyses were based on the total score obtained from the scale for STAI Form TX-1 and the score obtained from the sub-dimensions for the Rapid Big Five Personality Test. In this study, the relational screening method was used. Since the data used in this study showed a normal distribution, parametric tests were used. Pearson correlation analysis was also applied between the continuous variables of the study. When the relationship between the pre-competition state anxiety levels and personality traits of the kickboxers included in the study was examined, it was seen that there was a negative low level of significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and compatibility personality trait scores, that there was a positive low level of significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and extroversion personality trait scores, that there was a significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and responsibility personality trait scores.

Examination of Differences in Pre-Competition Anxiety and Big Five Personality Traits in Esport Players and Athletes

The primary aim of the paper is to conduct research on the personality traits and pre-competition anxiety of Esports and sports players, in addition to confirming differences in personality and pre-competition anxiety between the two examined groups. The research has been conducted on 67 (N=67) subjects, 30 of whom are semi-professional or professional gamers who participate in state-level and regional-level competitions. The remaining 37 subjects are the highest-ranked athletes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The t-test, a type of inferential statistic, has been used to determine statistical differences in disposition between the arithmetic means of the two groups, using BFI-44 (α=0.78) and CSAI-2 (α=0.60) measuring instruments. It has been anticipated that the Esports players are ranked lower at Extraversion (E) and Agreeableness (A) levels, while their Neuroticism (N) level is higher compared to the results of the athletes. The research indicates that all of the three hypotheses regarding the Big Five Model have been confirmed – on the scale of Extraversion (E) with significance levels of p=0.000 (p<0.0001); on the scale of Agreeableness (A) with significance levels of p=0.002 (p<0.01); on the scale of Neuroticism (N) with significance levels of p=0.042 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the fourth and fifth research hypotheses, proposing there is a statistically significant difference in cognitive and somatic anxiety (CSAI-2) in Esports players and athletes, were not confirmed. The sixth research hypothesis was confirmed, showing that there is a statistically significant difference between Esports players and athletes on the self-confidence dimension (CSAI-2) with p=0.030 (p<0.05). Results gathered on this sample could serve as an important part of understanding the differences between Esports players and athletes.

Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, And Pre-Competitive Anxiety Of Female High-Performance Athletes

Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, And Pre-Competitive Anxiety Of Female High-Performance Athletes

Influence of Mindfulness on Levels of Impulsiveness, Moods and Pre-Competition Anxiety in Athletes of Different Sports.

Training in emotional regulation skills is one of the most important resources for the adaptation of athletes to contexts of sports pressure, especially during competitions. This study explored the effects of a mindfulness programme (Flow Meditation) on levels of impulsivity, mood and pre-competition anxiety-state in a sample of athletes (N = 41, 22.83 ± 5.62 years). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (N = 21; 14 males and 7 females) which received the intervention over 10 weeks (a weekly session) and a control group (wait-list; N = 20; 13 males and 7 females). The variables under study were assessed through different questionnaires at pre- and post-test (T1-T2) in both groups. The mindfulness intervention was effective in reducing impulsivity (cognitive (t = -4.48, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.40), both motor (t = -4.03, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.20) and unplanned (t = -5.32, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.66)), mood (tension (t = -4.40, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.37), depression (t = -4.56, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.42), anger (t = -7.80, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.47), somatic anxiety (t = -5.28, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.65), and cognitive anxiety (t = -6.62, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.07) in the intervention group compared to the control group and with large to very large effect sizes. Mindfulness is a factor that enhances athletes' ability to cope with high sport pressure and the healthy management of competition (e.g., fear of failure), or with their daily life.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in University Athletes: Analysis of Its Relationship with Anxiety

In the field of sport psychology, research on emotional intelligence and its relationship with other psychological variables to determine how it affects the athlete's performance is becoming more frequent and prevalent. Among these psychological variables, research in this field has focused on the evaluation of the influence of aspects such as motivation, leadership, self-concept, and anxiety. The main objective of this research is to analyze the levels of each of the dimensions of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity, and emotional regulation) and their relationship with each of the SCAT items to measure pre-competitive anxiety. To do so, we analyzed the influence that one psychological construct has on the other, in order to establish the type of relationships that are established between them. The design of this research corresponds to be transversal, observational, quantitative, and descriptive. The sample consisted of 165 students belonging to university degrees (bachelor's and master's) related to physical activity and sport sciences. The main finding of this study allows us to affirm the relationship between emotional intelligence and anxiety. This confirms the hypothesis that anxiety is an indispensable component of any competitive situation, and that neither the total absence of anxiety nor high levels of it leads to better sports performance. Therefore, sport psychology should focus on the emotional preparation of athletes so that they can manage and control their anxiety at intermediate levels, which in addition to being typical of a competitive situation, is also synonymous with good sporting performance.

Levels of Somatic Anxiety, Cognitive Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy in University Athletes from a Spanish Public University and Their Relationship with Basic Psychological Needs.

Research on self-efficacy, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety provides fundamental information to early identify weak areas in the training of athletes and to implement actions that contribute to the improvement and maintenance of sporting activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between anxiety (somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self-efficacy) and basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy and relationship with others). The sample was composed of 165 university students enrolled in courses related to physical activity and sport sciences, with a mean age of 20.33 years (SD = 3.44), studying in a Spanish public university located in Almeria, in the southeast of Spain (Andalusia). The main findings showed the existence of a continuous and effective relationship between self-efficacy and basic psychological needs. While there was no positive and direct relationship between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety and autonomy, there was a direct and positive relationship between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety and competence and the relationship with others. Therefore, the results obtained showed that a more positive form of motivation would be autonomous motivation, as it helps to interpret the perception of self-efficacy, favoring performance in competition, whereas controlled motivation has the opposite effect. The importance of this research resides in the fact that it shows that within the sports field, an athlete's self-perception has an indirect negative effect on pre-competitive somatic anxiety, and the link in this relationship is task orientation and the absence of demotivation towards sport. Despite this, the same effect on cognitive anxiety was not produced.

The Divergent Effects of Resilience Qualities and Resilience Support in Predicting Pre-Competition Anxiety and Championship Performance

ABSTRACT Purpose: Psychological resilience is vital to the development of sport talents. Qualitative research has consistently demonstrated that sport resilience encapsulates a mixed package of resilience qualities (reflecting positive traits and characteristics) and resilience support (reflecting perceived support and related resources). Ironically, sport resilience research adopting quantitative methods has been assessing resilience as a unidimensional construct, with little attention to the multi-facet nature of resilience and its effects on performance. In the present research, we tested a novel proposition that resilience qualities predict reduced pre-competition cognitive anxiety and contribute to performance more than resilience support. Methods & Results: Across two samples of competitive table tennis players (Study 1: N = 196 competing at province level; Study 2: N = 106 competing at national level), we consistently found resilience qualities, rather than resilience support, predicted lower levels of pre-competition cognitive anxiety and superior performance at a national championship. Results also suggest that pre-competition cognitive anxiety mediated the relationship between resilience qualities and performance. Conclusion: The findings provide the first evidence supporting the divergent effects of resilience qualities and resilience support in predicting pre- competition anxiety and championship performance and call for the consideration of such a distinction when designing and delivering resilience programs.

Effect of a Four-Week Soccer Training Program Using Stressful Constraints on Team Resilience and Precompetitive Anxiety.

The present study examined the effects of stressful constraints during soccer trainings on psychological skill development and internal load when compared with control (nonstressful) trainings. A total of 51 elite male youth soccer players (27 in the experimental group, M = 16.54 years; 24 in the control group, M = 15.44 years) participated in the study. In a 12-week longitudinal survey, team resilience, using the Spanish version of the Characteristics of Resilience in Sports Teams Inventory, and anxiety, using the Sport Anxiety Scale, were measured at baseline (after 4 weeks of regular trainings), postprotocol (after 4 weeks of control or experimental trainings), and follow-up (after 4 weeks of regular trainings). Results show that, when compared with the control group, a program with stressful constraints helped young soccer players to develop better psychological skills: specifically, increased ability to cope with impairments in resilience (both resilience characteristics and team vulnerability under pressure; p < 0.001). Increases in anxiety (p = 0.06) and decreases in preoccupation (p < 0.001) and lack of concentration (p < 0.001) were also observed. The adaptation of human behavior to specific trainings may explain these results. In conclusion, the regular exposure of young soccer players to stressful situations during trainings shows benefits for their psychological skill development in soccer. Then, benefits on internal load were also observed.

A comparative analysis of anxiety in a precompetitive state between badminton and Tennis University levelled players

The primary purpose was to compare anxiety in a pre-competitive state of male badminton and tennis players. A total of twenty (N=20) male racket sports players with their age ranging between 17 to 23 years were selected. Further the total subjects were divided into 10 subjects each from badminton and tennis sports practices. The subjects were selected from the study centre of Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education both Gwalior and Guwahati center. In order to measure the pre competitive anxiety level, questionnaires, namely, Illiniois self-evaluation Inventory and Sports competition anxiety test (SCAT) were implemented on racket sports players and used as the tool for data collection. In order to analyze the data collected descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and comparative statistics of multivariate analysis of variance was employed and was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The multivariate analysis was found to be insignificant in the sub factors of pre-competitive anxiety between badminton and tennis players as the value of Wilks’ lambda (0.818) was found to be insignificant at 0.05 level of significance (p= 0.686). The insignificant value of MANOVA depicted that the sub factors of pre-competitive anxiety was at similar levels when compared between the male badminton and tennis sports players.