Sport Competition Anxiety Test Research Articles

A study on the impact of systematic desensitization training on competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes.

In the domain of competitive events, Latin dance athletes have always suffered competitive anxiety, which is a prevalent and prevailing psychological facet, in pre-, intra-, and post-competitive engagements. Usually, the implementation of systematic desensitization training is an efficacious approach to reduce competitive anxiety levels in routine sports to fortify psychological resilience of athletes (like swimming, volleyball, and basketball). This study focuses on the effect of systematic desensitization training on competition anxiety in the training of Latin dancers to establish good mental ability and promote the competitive ability of athletes. The "Sports Competition Anxiety Test Questionnaire" was used to evaluate and classify the competitive anxiety levels of 150 Latin dance athletes. Then, the top 48 participants were selected (24 in the intervention cohort and 24 in the non-intervention cohort) as the study participants after stratifying anxiety score levels from the highest to the lowest. The intervention group was treated with an 8-week psychological intervention by employing systematic desensitization training techniques (encompassing imagery desensitization and in vivo desensitization). The anxiety levels of the subjects were quantified by employing the "Sport Competition Trait Anxiety Inventory" (CCTAI-C) and the "Competitive State Anxiety Inventory" (CSAI-2) to scrutinize the efficacy of systematic desensitization training in regulating competitive anxiety levels among Latin dance athletes. After applying systematic desensitization training, the intervention group displayed a notable reduction in sport cognitive trait anxiety. Specifically, there was a decrease of 29.37% in social evaluation anxiety, 20.31% in competition preparation anxiety, 16.98% in performance anxiety, 25.16% in failure anxiety, 34.47% in opponent's ability anxiety, and 25.16% in injury anxiety. Moreover, for competitive state anxiety, cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety decreased by 39.19 and 21.43%. The state self-confidence increased by 14.42%. The result indicated that systematic desensitization training not only mitigates anxiety but also positively intervenes in sports-related anxiety. Moreover, systematic desensitization training can significantly diminish competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes to bolster confidence during competitions. Integrating desensitization training into the regular regimen of Latin dance practice has the potential to fortify dancers' psychological resilience against anxiety.

Anxiety Level of DKI Jakarta Women’s Rugby Athletes Towards the National Sports Week 2024

To achieve maximum performance, an athlete requires preparation such as physical, technical, tactical and mental. One of the mental aspects of sports psychology is anxiety. Anxiety is a mental symptom that is identical to negative feelings which are characterized by feelings of worry, tension, and unease when facing a situation, causing a decrease in concentration and self-confidence. This study aims to determine the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match. This research is a quantitative descriptive research using a percentage formula. Data collection used a questionnaire with research instruments using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT). The population in this study were all female rugby athletes from DKI Jakarta, totaling 15 athletes who were designated as the research sample. The research results showed that the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match was 27% (4) athletes who had low anxiety levels, 60% (9) athletes had moderate anxiety levels, and 13% (2) athletes had high anxiety levels. From the data results, it can be explained that the anxiety level of DKI Jakarta female rugby athletes before the match is in the medium category.

A study of the relationship between social desirability and competitive anxiety among soccer players

This study investigated temperament, social desirability, and anxiety in professional and amateur male soccer players. The goal of this study was to compare social desirability among professional and amateur soccer players and its association with temperament and competitive anxiety. Participants (n = 78) were equally divided into professional and amateur players. The EPQ (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) was used to assess the participants' temperament and social desirability. Additionally, the SCAT (Sport Competition Anxiety Test) was completed by the participants to reveal their anxiety levels. The temperament types were compared using Yates's correction for continuity, while a linear regression model was used to determine if social desirability could predict anxiety levels among the players. The study found that both groups had dominant sanguine and choleric temperaments, which corresponded to extraversion. The ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in competitive anxieties between the two groups (p<0.03). The results of the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship with a negative slope between social desirability and competitive anxiety in professional players (p<0.021) and amateur players (p<0.015). The data illustrate that the professional and amateur levels of soccer players are not dependent on the predictive effect of social desirability on competitive anxiety; however, it was only associated with constant sports activities. Thus, it was revealed that as the level of social desirability among soccer players increases, the level of their competitive anxiety decreases.

Analysis of the Anxiety Level Among the Players of Serpong City FC In Facing the 2023/2024 Indonesian Liga 3 Competition

The sport of football is a branch of sports that has gained a lot of enthusiasts and competitors aiming to become high-achieving players. Therefore, players must train their mental resilience from an early age in order to be able to manage anxiety when facing a competition. This study falls under the category of a survey with a quantitative descriptive approach, using a questionnaire as the data collection tool. The focus of this research is to investigate the anxiety levels of players before facing the competition in the 2023/2024 Liga 3. There were 22 players selected as samples for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire designed to measure the players' anxiety levels, utilizing the Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) as a sports anxiety instrument. The implementation phase involved providing instructions to the sample regarding the process of filling out the questionnaire regarding the profile of anxiety levels in players, and then collecting the data by distributing the questionnaire to the players. The results of this study showed that the anxiety levels of the Serpong City FC players for the 2023/2024 season before competing in the Liga 3 Indonesia 2023/2024 were as follows: 7 respondents (32%) experienced low anxiety levels with an average score of 15.14, 10 respondents (50%) experienced moderate anxiety levels with an average score of 19.5, and 5 respondents (22%) experienced high anxiety levels with an average score of 25.4. This provides insight to the coach and officials that they should focus on training the mental resilience of the players and help find solutions to the anxiety issues experienced by the Serpong City FC players, especially those participating in the Liga 3 competition for the first time. It also raises the question of whether the anxiety is intrinsic or extrinsic. Based on the results obtained, it can be interpreted that the anxiety levels of the Serpong City FC players for the 2023/2024 season fall into the moderate category, with an average score of 18.9.

Psychological Characteristics of Professional Soccer Players and their Comparison with Amateur Players

The purpose of this study was to test the association between personality traits and competitive anxiety among professional soccer players and amateur soccer players (n=78), whose ages ranged from 17 to 21 years. Personality traits were defined using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (translated and adapted version). Participants completed the Sport Competition Anxiety Test by Martens to assess their state of anxiety. The study revealed the dominance of sanguine and choleric temperament, corresponding to extraversion in the representatives of both groups. A one-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.03) between the competitive anxieties of the two groups. The results of the stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship (p ≤ 0.0001) between competitive anxiety and both psychoticism and neuroticism among professional soccer players. According to the results, psychoticism and neuroticism predict the formation of competitive anxiety in professional soccer players. In soccer, the level of competition causes personality differences by psychoticism and neuroticism, however, extraversion is the factor of pre-existing differences, which draw any players into a team sport. Coaches should spend more time on competitive games among youth players because it can help to adapt the autonomic nervous system and reduce excessive levels of anxiety.

Nutritional Status, Diet Quality and Levels of Anxiety During Training and Match Day in Turkish Super League Male Water Polo Players

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the anxiety levels of the players playing in the Men‘s Water Polo Turkish First Division (known as Super League) teams at different periods and their nutritional status, and diet quality. The study was conducted among 60 players who professionally play water polo at different sports clubs. In order to determine the anxiety levels of the players at different time periods, the Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT-A) was applied to the players on two different days. To evaluate the players’ nutritional status, 2 days of food consumption were recorded, 1 day for training and the other for match day. The quality of the players’ diet was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index -2010. The players’ anxiety (SCAT-A scores) on the match day was found to be higher than on the training day (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between the players’ anxiety levels on training and match days and the diet quality components nor total Healty Eating Index (HEI-2010) scores on either day (p>0.05). Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between anxiety levels experienced by players at different times and nutritional status and diet quality.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SELECTED PSYCHOLOGICAL ABILITIES BETWEEN KABADDI AND KHO KHO PLAYERS

The main objective of the current study was to compare the kabaddi and Kho-Kho players of Murshidabad district, who was attained position at district level sports competition on selected psychological abilities through the selected test items such as: psycho-motor Ability, Concentration and sports Competition Anxiety Test between the players of kabaddi and Kho-Kho. For the purpose of the present study, finally sixty players were selected as subject. Out of total sixty subject, 30 subjects from the Kho-Kho have been selected on purposive and random sampling basis, who was won medal/position district level sports competition. All the subjects were involved in regular practise as a preparation for their targeted competition in their own sports. The data ware collected in raw from and analysed by calculating the descriptive statistical techniques and 't' test were applied. The level of significance was set at 0.05 level of confidence. There was significant difference was found in the Psycho-motor Ability in relation to the Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players. There was no significant difference found in relation to consultation ability measured through great taste between Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players. The significant difference watch found in the sports competition hello anxiety test (SCAT) in relation to the Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players.

The Effect of Mindfulness Intervention on the Psychological Skills and Shooting Performances in Male Collegiate Basketball Athletes in Macau: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

This study adopted a quasi-experimental design to examine the effect of a 7-week mindfulness intervention on the psychological coping ability and shooting performance of college-level male basketball athletes in Macau. A total of 43 male college basketball athletes in Macau were selected as the participants. Besides the regular basketball training, the intervention group (n = 23) received a 7-week mindfulness training; the weekly mindfulness intervention session lasted around one hour according to the mindfulness training manual for athletes, while the control group (n = 20) did not receive any mindfulness training. Before and immediately after the 7-week intervention, all players performed the following tests: the "Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire", the "Acceptance and Action Questionnaire", the "Sport Competition Anxiety Test", the "Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale", and three shooting tests. An independent-sample t-test and a paired-sample t-test were used to analyze the between- and within-group differences. Moreover, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the group, time, and group-by-time effects on psychological skills and shooting performances. The intervention resulted in both significant between-group and within-group differences in mindfulness level, acceptance level, attention level, three-point, and free-throw shooting performances (all p < 0.05, Cohen's d ranging from 0.565 to 1.117). While further study is necessary, the present study suggests that the 7-week mindfulness training program can significantly improve psychological outcomes and shooting performance in Macau college basketball athletes. Future studies involving competition settings and objective metrics will aid in verifying mindfulness as the prevalent practice among basketball practitioners and athletes.

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.

Comparative study on sports anxiety irrespective of gender differences among badminton and tennis players

This study aimed to assess sport anxiety among athletes, taking into account gender differences and the specific sport practiced. The sample consisted of 100 participants who were selected based on their representation at the national level in tennis and badminton. The Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) questionnaire was administered to measure anxiety levels. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare anxiety levels between males and females in their respective sports, with a significance level set at 0.05. The statistical analysis revealed that females exhibited higher levels of anxiety compared to males. These findings confirm that women are more prone to anxiety than men. It was observed that girls' employment of thought control strategies and metacognitive beliefs contributes to their susceptibility to emotional and neurotic problems. Therefore, it is crucial for girls to acquire alternative strategies for coping with challenging situations. The study suggests that females may benefit from learning techniques to manage metacognitive worries. Additionally, modifying negative and positive metacognitive beliefs about worry can contribute to improved mental well-being. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that female athletes experience higher levels of anxiety compared to their male counterparts. It highlights the significance of addressing mental health concerns among female athletes and emphasizes the need to teach them effective strategies for managing anxiety. By promoting the development of adaptive metacognitive skills and modifying their beliefs about worry, girls can enhance their psychological resilience and overall mental health.

A comparative study of trait anxiety between female weightlifters and powerlifters

The aim of the study was to compare and wanted to see the sports competition anxiety between weightlifting and powerlifting. Sixty-eight female weightlifters and powerlifters (4 from each body weight category) who had participated in weightlifting and Powerlifting All India Inter University competition were selected as subject for the study. The participants were between the ages of 18 to 25. The Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) questionnaire designed by Martin (1990) was employed in this study. According to the literature review and researchers knowledge it was hypothesized that there might be significant difference between female weightlifters and powerlifters. For the analysis of the data independent‘t’ test was applied. The significant difference threshold was chosen at 0.05. There was no substantial difference between weightlifters and power lifters, according to the study's findings.

Competition anxiety between inter-collegiate cricketer and footballer players

The goal of this study was to determine the variations in Anxiety among Inter-Collegiate Cricketers. The study may also help to assess the differences in the selected psychological parameter among sportspersons of the sports discipline chosen in the study. This study was delimited to 50 college level cricket players and 50 football players each. The subjects was selected from Tamil nadu state from its capital city Chennai. The study was conducted through standardized questionnaires for collecting different variables by Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) by martins by this we conducted to check anxiety level. The‘t’ test was used to compare the groups and for testing significance of the values at 0.05 levels have been fixed.

Effect of Competition on the Salivary Cortisol Level in Elite Boy Swimmers

Background: The effect of exercise on serum and salivary cortisol levels depends on the intensity of sports. So far, no study has evaluated the effect of acute exercise on cortisol levels. Objectives: This study aimed to determine and compare the salivary cortisol concentration two weeks and 30 minutes before competition in elite adolescent boy swimmers. Also, we determined the association between anxiety and salivary cortisol levels. Methods: We included 14 elite boy swimmers aged 10 - 13 years old. Anxiety was assessed using the Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) 30 minutes before the competition. Saliva samples were measured two weeks and 30 minutes before the swimming competition. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to assess salivary cortisol levels. Using paired t-test, we compared salivary cortisol levels 30 minutes and two weeks before the competition. Also, we used linear regression to examine the effect of anxiety on salivary cortisol levels before the competition. Results: Our results showed a significantly elevated cortisol level 30 minutes before the competition compared to two weeks before the competition (5.24 ± 1.97 vs. 3.47 ± 1.03 µg/dL, P = 0.007). However, pre-competition salivary cortisol levels were not significantly related to SCAT, somatic, and cognitive anxiety (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, swimming competition influenced salivary cortisol response before the competition.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AMONG COMPETITIVE ROWERS

Introduction: Elite rowing athletes participated in anthropometric, psychological and physiological tests.&#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relations between the traits of sport-confidence and competitive orientation, as well as to compare state measures of sport-confidence, self-efficacy and anxiety. Furthermore, this study targeted to examine the associations of these state measures with performance, in our case the 2000m rowing ergometer run time.&#x0D; Material and methods: Rowers (N=15) were subjected to anthropometric, psychological and physiological tests: max 2000 m on Rowing Ergo-test, Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28, Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and Sport Competition Anxiety Test.&#x0D; Results: CSAI-self-confidence showed a statistically significant difference between genders with boys having a higher score. Overall, SCAT (anxiety) scores were low (normal anxiety) in the sample for the vast majority (12 rowers), only 3 participants showed high anxiety. &#x0D; Conclusion: The psychological profile does not contribute significantly performance on 2000m Rowing Ergo-test but affects it. Girls completed the distance in a longer period of time, and cognitive anxiety was relatively greater among girls. Additionally, our study pointed out that if the physical parameters are 'inadequate,' then the psychological profile does not contribute to better performance.

A study of sports competition anxiety among different level volleyball male players in Southern India

Competition can cause athletes to react both physically (somatic) and mentally (cognitive), which can negatively affect their performance abilities. Stress, arousal and anxiety are terms used to describe this condition.Anxiety before or during athletic competitions can hinder performance of an athlete. The aim of present study was top explore the difference of sports competition anxiety among different levels of volleyball players. For the purpose of the study 300 volleyball players (100 Youth National, 100 Intervarsity and 100 Senior State) were selected from various volleyball tournaments. The sports competition anxiety test developed by Martin (1990) was used to collect the data from the subjects. After analyzing the data it was found that there was significant differences exists among different levels of volleyball players.The major problem in a competition is letting your mind work against you rather than for you. You must accept anxiety symptoms as part and parcel of the competition experience; only then will anxiety begin to facilitate your performance.

Study of Sports Psychological Variables in Relation to Different Playing Positions in Field Hockey

The Study is an attempt to find out the impact of level of Sports Competition Anxiety and Sports Aggression of National/Inter-University Hockey players with respect to different playing positions. The subjects were classified into Attackers and Defenders based on their playing positions as the Full Backs and Half-Backs were categorized into Defenders and Inside Forwards, Wingers and Centre Forwards were classified into Forwards based on the traditional playing positions in Asian Style of Field Hockey and a total of 100 subjects were selected, out of which 50 were attacker male hockey players and 50 were defender male hockey players. The age of the subjects ranged from 18 to 24 years. To measure the level of Anxiety the standardized test of Sports Competition Anxiety Test constructed by Marten et al., 1990 and for the psychological variable of Aggression the standardized test of Sports Aggression Inventory developed and prepared by Prof. Anand Kumar Shrivastava and Prem Shankar Shukla was used. The independent samples t-test was applied to assess the significance of difference among the attacker and defender playing positions of national level male hockey players. After analyzing the results of the study, it was concluded that there was no significant difference on the psychological variable of Anxiety but there was significant difference between the aggression level of attacker and defender male hockey players.

A comparative study of anxiety and aggression level between university and national level volleyball players

The socio‐psychological variables play an important role in prompting sportsmen to unveil best performance during competition. Competitive sports demands physical mental and emotional toughness. The aim of the study is to compare the anxiety and aggression level between university and national level volleyball players. For the purpose of the present study 12 subjects Age ranges in between 19-25 years were selected out of which 06 were university players and 06 were national players were randomly selected on the performance basis. Anxiety and aggression were measured through Sports Competition Anxiety Test (Martens, R 1977) and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ, 1992) respectively. Independent t-test were employed for measuring the anxiety and aggression. The statistical results of the study revealed that there is no difference between aggression and anxiety levels of national and inter university players.

Impact of Sports Anxiety on Sports Performance of Players

This study aimed to assess the impact of sports anxiety on the sports performance of players. The sample was comprised of 110 sports players (68 males, 42 females). The data was collected by using the probability sampling technique of purposive sampling from Sports Players that belong to Bahawalpur and Multan cities of Punjab Province. The age range of the respondents of this cross-sectional research was from 18 to 35years. Demographic information such as age, gender, qualifications, Area, marital status, socioeconomic status, and which kind of sport they play was also asked from them. Two questionnaires were utilized for the purpose of data collection, one was a 15-item, The Sport Competition Anxiety Test, and the second was a 6-item, Athlete’s Subjective Performance Scale. After data collection, SPSS (1.0.0.1406latest 21 version) was used for the analysis. The findings showed that if the sports anxiety increases, the sports performance of the player will decrease and vice versa (r=-.33). Moreover, sports anxiety was also a significant predictor of sports performance. The results also revealed no significant gender differences in sports anxiety and sports performance.

Profile of sport competition anxiety trait and psychological coping skills among secondary school athletes in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Background: The study investigated the profile of sport competition anxiety trait and psychological coping skills (PCS) among secondary school athletes in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Material/Methods: A total number of 420 secondary school athletes participated in a cross-sectional study. The profile of sport competition anxiety trait and psychological coping skills of the participants were measured using a 46-item questionnaire consisting of three socio-demographic factors as part I, a 15-item Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) as part II and a 28-item Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI) as part III. Mean, standard deviation and linear regressions were used for analyses. Results: The findings revealed that secondary school athletes had an average level of anxiety (mean±SD=20.79±3.776), and greater strength on psychological coping skills (mean±SD=49.92±19.20) while participating in sport competitions. Coachability, Goal setting and mental preparation, and Freedom from worry had significant association (p&lt;.05) with athletes’ Sport Competition Anxiety. Conclusions: This research proves that increase in psychological coping skills leads to increase in athletes’ competition anxiety while participating in sport. However, sport psychologists, Physical Education teachers, games masters/mistresses and coaches in secondary schools need to acquire psychological skills through specialized seminar or expertise training so as to enable athletes to cope with sport anxiety.

Sports competition related anxiety: Is it modifiable among athletes in urban schools in Sri Lanka?

Competition related anxiety is a major psychological issue among athletes and this study estimates the prevalence of competition related anxiety, its associated factors and coping strategies used, among school athletes in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 athletes. Two-stage simple random sampling was used. Competition related anxiety level was determined by Sport Competition Anxiety Test for adults (SCAT-A). Prevalence of ‘high’ level of sport competition related anxiety was 19.4% and it was significantly associated with individual sports, fear of failure, experience of past defeat, and poor support received from parents/friends. Listening to music, goal setting, positive self-talk and meditation were positive coping strategies used by athletes. The main negative coping strategy was being angry. High competition related anxiety prevalent in about 1/5th of school athletes was influenced by several factors related to the sport event. Psychological support incorporated into routine physical training sessions is recommended.