Pre and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence and their relationship with technical-tactical performance in high-level men's padel players.

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the variations in pre- and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence considering match outcomes, the performance according to the result and the correlation among performance and psychological variables. Methods: The sample consisted on 12 matches in which 11 high-level padel players from Finland (top 24) voluntarily participated. CSAI-2R and STAI-S were used to assess psychological variables and technical-tactical performance was evaluated by a certified padel coach. Results: Losing players presented higher cognitive (p = .004), somatic (p = .020) and state (p = .001) anxiety and lower selfconfidence (p = .014), and winning players showed higher state anxiety (p = .022), after than before the matches. Post-match, winning players exhibited higher self-confidence (p = .015) than losing players. Winning players made more winners (p = .010) than losing players. There are direct correlations between unforced errors and post-state anxiety (p = .015), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .009) and winners and cognitive anxiety (p = .033), in winning players; between generators of forced error and post-cognitive anxiety (p = .034), forced errors and cognitive anxiety in losing players (p = .001). There are indirect correlations between forced errors and pre-cognitive anxiety (p = .009), winners and somatic anxiety (p = .046), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .042) in losing players. Discussion: The outcomes imply the need for intervention programs to equip players, especially those facing defeat, with tools for anxiety management and self-confidence enhancement. Likewise, coaches are advised to incorporate exercises that promote the occurrence of winners.

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.

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.

Percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo, la ansiedad y la autoconfianza en jugadores de fútbol semiprofesionales / Rating of perceived exertion, anxiety and self-confidence in semi-professional soccer players

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y de los estados de ansiedad (cognitiva y somática), autoconfianza en jugadores de fútbol semiprofesionales. Método: han participado 18 jugadores españoles semiprofesionales con experiencia mínima de tres años en la categoría nacional (edad: 26.4 años, peso: 75.8 kg, altura: 181 cm) clasificados en dos porteros, tres defensas centrales, tres defensas laterales, cuatro centrocampistas, tres extremos y tres delanteros. Se analizaron 10 partidos (cinco como locales y cinco como visitantes) y se usó el cuestionario Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 y escala Category Ratio 10 de Borg para la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo. Se realizó el test de análisis de la varianza de un factor (posición de juego) y t-test para muestras independientes (localización y rol). Resultados: se han obtenido diferencias significativas en estas variables psicofisiológicas en relación con las posiciones de juego, localización y rol de juego. Conclusión: en este estudio de caso, los jugadores con rol defensivo y los que juegan como visitantes tienen menor percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y los atacantes presentan mayor ansiedad somática y autoconfianza previos a la competición deportiva.

Abstract Objetive: To analyze the rate of perceived exertion and anxiety states (cognitive and somatic), self-confidence in semi-professional soccer players. Method: 18 semi-professional Spanish soccer players with at least 3 years' experience in the national category participated (age: 26.4; weight: 75.8 kg; height: 181 cm), classified as two goalkeepers, three central defenders, three internal defenders, four midfielders, three wingers, three forwards. Ten matches were analyzed (five at home and five as visitors) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 questionnaire and Borg's Category Ratio scale 10 for the rate of perceived exertion were used. A one-way analysis of variance test (game position) and t-test for independent samples (location and role) were performed. Results: Significant differences have been obtained in these psycho-physiological variables in relation to game positions, location, and game role. Conclusion: In this case report, players with a defensive role and those who play as visitors have lower rate of perceived exertion and attackers have higher somatic anxiety and self-confidence prior to the sports competition.

Revisiting the Self-Confidence and Sport Performance Relationship: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Self-confidence is a common research topic, and most applied textbooks include interventions designed to enhance athlete confidence. Our purpose was to quantify the self-confidence and sport performance literature using meta-analytic techniques. We also examined potential risk of bias indicators, and the moderation effects of study quality, sport characteristics, timing of confidence measurement, and individual differences among participants. Following a review of two past meta-analyses, a systematic search of APA PsycArticles, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus within the EBSCOhost platform, and some hand searching, 41 articles published between 1986 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the included studies investigated 3711 athletes from 15 countries across 24 sports. The overall random effects estimate of the relationship (expressed as r) between self-confidence and performance was 0.25 (95% CI 0.19, 0.30), with little evidence of publication bias. The summed total risk of the individual study bias score did not moderate the confidence-performance relationship, whereas significant moderator effects emerged for individual sports (0.29) compared with team sports (0.14), objective (0.29) compared to subjective (0.14) performance measures, and 100% male (0.35) compared to 100% female (0.07) samples. In conclusion, the confidence-performance relationship is small in magnitude, nearly free of bias, and moderated by sport type, performance objectivity, and athlete sex.

A Quantitative Study of the Impact of Functional Classification on Competitive Anxiety and Performance Among Wheelchair Basketball Athletes.

In adaptive sports (also known as Para sports, disability sports, or Paralympic sports), athletes are assigned to classes that indicate their functional potential, regardless of talent, training, or experience. The aim of the present study among wheelchair basketball athletes (n = 141) was to explore the role of functional classification as a potential stressor. Specifically, we looked into the anecdotal relationship between classification and athletes' concern about "performing in accordance with one's class." Based on a serial mediation research model, we examined the links between functional classification and three outcome variables (i.e., cognitive worry, somatic arousal, and game performance) through the mediator variables of perceived competitive demands and sport-specific self-efficacy. Unexpectedly, we did not find any evidence of a classification effect on either the mediator variables or competitive anxiety. However, we did find positive correlations between functional classification and athletes' contribution to their team's score, which align with research supporting the proportionality and the validity of the functional classification system. Moreover, regardless of classification, mediation analyses revealed an indirect link between perceived competitive demands and cognitive worry through sport-specific self-efficacy. These findings suggest that, regardless of classification, athletes' self-efficacy may be increased by managing their appraisals of competitive demands and that their cognitive worries may be reduced by self-efficacy interventions.

Adaptación del Inventario Revisado de Ansiedad Estado Competitiva - 2 a población deportiva argentina / Adaptation of the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - 2 to sport argentinian population

La ansiedad es un proceso afectivo que recibió mucha atención en Psicología del Deporte, ya que por sus características es un ámbito fructífero para estudiar este proceso. En Argentina no se hallaron instrumentos adaptados que evalúen este constructo en ámbitos deportivos. El objetivo del estudio realizado fue adaptar el Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (Cox, Martens & Russell, 2003) a una población de deportistas argentinos. Siguiendo la teoría multidimensional de la ansiedad de Martens (1974), este inventario posee 17 ítems distribuidos en tres factores: Ansiedad Somática (AS), Ansiedad Cognitiva (AC) y Autoconfianza (ACF). Se realizaron tres estudios instrumentales y uno de diferencias entre grupos para analizar si existen diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad en función del sexo, deporte y modalidad deportiva (individual - grupal). El estudio de entrevistas cognitivas posibilitó la ampliación del número de ítems por factor. Así, se analizó la estructura interna de 22 ítems mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio. El inventario replicó la estructura factorial original con 8 ítems para ACF,7 para AS y 6 para AC. La confiabilidad presentó valores moderados a altos (de ρ = .84 a .96). Finalmente, se hallaron diferencias en función del sexo, deporte y modalidad deportiva en los niveles de AC y AS, mientras que las diferencias en ACF sólo se hallaron en función del sexo. El inventario posee adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y por lo tanto, es apropiado para la evaluación de la ansiedad estado competitiva en población deportiva argentina. Se espera que futuros estudios analicen las diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad considerando otros deportes, controlen el efecto de la edad y analicen la validez convergente del inventario.

Participating and/or competing in sports have certain characteristics that make the field of sports a productive one for the study of affective processes such as anxiety. It makes sense, then, that anxiety is a process that has received much attention in Sports Psychology since its beginnings as a discipline. Despite this, in Argentina there are currently no instruments to assess this construct in relation to sports. The aim of the present study was to adapt the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R - Cox, Martens, & Russell, 2003) for use with Argentinean athletes. The CSAI-2R is composed of 17 items measuring three constructs, following Martens multidimensional anxiety theory (1974): Somatic Anxiety (SA), Cognitive Anxiety (CA), and Self-Confidence (SC). Three instrumental studies were carried out: cognitive interviews, a rating study and internal structure, and one of internal consistency. Finally, a group differences study was conducted. The cognitive interviews consisted in evaluating question comprehension by 10 athletes between the ages of 18 and 27 using a verbal probing technique. For the rating study, two experts in Sports Psychology and Psychometry judged the inventory's items in terms of their quality, as well as their congruence to the factors of interest. Lastly, for the studies of internal consistency and structure and of group differences study, the CSAI-2R was administered to 357 athletes 15 to 45 minutes prior to competing. The sample was made up of 162 females athletes and 195 males athletes between the ages of 11 and 47 (M = 21.83, SD = 5.90) overall averaging 9.18 years practicing their respective sports and all having competed at a regional to international level at least once a year (M = 2.94, SD = 2.38). The cognitive interviews helped clarify items, as well as add new ones (13 items) to be tested in subsequent studies. The rating study revealed complete agreement between the judges as regards congruence (k = 1.00; p < .05), although 8 items had to be eliminated due to poor quality (< 3). Thus, the final version the CSAI-2R replicated the original factorial structure with a total of 21 items. One item was eliminated and two had to be replaced because their factorial weight was below the established threshold of .40. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed adequate indexes (CFI.954, TLI .948 RMSEA .062, 90% CI .055 .070, WRMR 1.199). Internal consistency of the inventory showed moderate to high composite reliability values, (from .84 to .90). Overall, the composite reliability for CSAI-2R was .96. Regarding sex differences, t tests yielded statistical differences in the levels of CA (Mmen = 11.32, Mwomen = 10.12, t(347) = 3.24, p < .05), SA (Mmen = 9.61, Mwomen = 10.81, t(347) = 3.81; p < .05), and SC (Mmen = 26.01, Mwomen = 24.55,t(347) = -2.87, p < .05). Also, sport modalities (group-individual) showed differences in SA (Mindividual = 10.89, Mgroup = 9.87, t (346) = 2.83, p < .05, d = .32) and AC (Mindividual = 9.94, Mgrupal = 10.94, t (347) = -2.47, p < .05, d = -.29). Finally, ANOVA showed differences in SA, F(3,345) = 4.39, p < .05 and CA, F(3, 345) = 3.31, p < .05 between sport type; Tukey post hoc tests showed that martial arts practitioners had higher levels of SA than soccer and hockey practitioners and lower levels of CA than field hockey practitioners. The CSAI-2R demonstrates good psychometric properties and, therefore, is an adequate instrument to assess competitive state-anxiety in Argentinian athletes. However, new instrumental studies are needed in order to check convergent validity and include new sports. Also, socio-demographic variables like age need to be taken into account in group differences studies.

Ansiedade estado pré-competitiva em atletas de voleibol infanto-juvenis / Pre-competitive state anxiety in infant juvenile volleyball athletes

Resumo Compreender a relação entre ansiedade-estado pré-competitiva e desempenho esportivo se constitui em importante meio para ajudar os esportistas a diagnosticar e controlar emoções. O presente estudo pretendeu: a) comparar o nível de ansiedade pré-competitiva entre atletas homens e mulheres, das equipes finalistas da Taça Paraná de Voleibol 2011; b) comparar os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva entre as equipes campeã e vice-campeã masculina, bem como entre as equipes campeã e vice-campeã feminina; c) comparar os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva dos atletas titulares e reservas, para as equipes de ambos os sexos; d) verificar a relação entre os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva e o tempo de prática dos atletas das equipes masculinas, bem como das equipes femininas. Participaram do estudo quatro equipes infanto-juvenis, finalistas da Taça Paraná 2011, totalizando 24 atletas do sexo feminino e 23 do sexo masculino (idade 16,16 ± 0,34 anos) e tempo de prática (4,97 ± 1,99 anos). Para avaliar a ansiedade pré-competitiva, utilizou-se o instrumento CSAI-2. As coletas ocorreram 30 minutos antes do início dos jogos finais. De forma geral, as equipes finalistas apresentaram níveis de ansiedade geral pré-competitiva similares, embora tenham sido encontradas diferenças significativas entre atletas mulheres titulares e reservas em relação à autoconfiança, sendo que as titulares apresentaram médias mais elevadas neste aspecto.(AU)

Abstract Understanding the relationship between pre-competitive state anxiety and sports performance are an important means to help sportsmen to diagnose and manage emotions. The present study aimed to: a) compare the level of pre-competitive anxiety among athletes men and women, the finalist teams of Paraná Cup Volleyball 2011; b) to compare the levels of pre-competitive anxiety among male champion teams and runners-up, as well as between female champion teams and runners-up; c) compare the levels of pre-competitive anxiety and reserves holders athletes for teams of both sexes; d) verify the relationship between the levels of pre-competitive anxiety and practice time for athletes of men's teams and the women's teams. Study participants were four youth teams, Paraná Cup finalists in 2011, totaling 24 female athletes and 23 male athletes (age 16.16 ± overall 0.34 years) and practice time 4.97 ± 1.99 years . To evaluate the pre-competitive anxiety, used the instrument CSAI-2. Sample occurred 30 minutes before the start of finals games. In general, the finalist teams had higher levels of general pre-competitive anxiety similar, although statistically significant differences between women athletes holders and reserves have been found in relation to the self-confidence, and the holders had higher average in this aspect.(AU)

Can biofeedback training of psychophysiological responses enhance athletes' sport performance? A practitioner's perspective.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, biofeedback has become increasingly popular for its proven success in peak performance training - the psychophysiological preparation of athletes for high-stakes sport competitions, such as the Olympic games. The aim of this research was to test whether an 8-week period of exposure to biofeedback training could improve the psychophysiological control over competitive anxiety and enhance athletic performance in participating subjects. METHODS: Participants of this study were highly competent athletes, each training in different sport disciplines. The experimental group consisted of 18 athletes (4 women, 14 men), whereas the Control group had 21 athletes (4 women, 17 men). All athletes were between 16 and 34 years old. The biofeedback device, Nexus 10, was used to detect and measure the psychophysiological responses of athletes. Athletes from both groups (control and experimental) were subjected to stress tests at the beginning of the study and once again at its conclusion. In between, the experimental group received training in biofeedback techniques. We then calculated the overall percentage of athletes in the experimental group compared with those in the control group who were able to control respiration, skin conductance, heart rate, blood flow amplitude, heart rate variability, and heart respiration coherence. One year following completion of the initial study, we questioned athletes from the experimental group, to determine whether they continued to use these skills and if they could detect any subsequent enhancement in their athletic performance. RESULTS: We demonstrated that a greater number of participants in the experimental group were able to successfully control their psychophysiological parameters, in comparison to their peers in the control group. Significant results (p < 0.05) were noted in regulation of GSR following short stress test conditions (p = 0.037), in regulation of HR after exposure to STROOP stressor (p = 0.037), in regulation of GSR following the Math and GSR stressors (p = 0.033, p = 0.409) and in achieving HR - breathing coherence following the math stressor (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: One year following completion of the training program, all participants from the experimental group indicated that they were still using the biofeedback - psycho-regulation skills. Furthermore, these participants uniformly reported believing that these skills had enhanced their athletic performance and general well-being.

Avaliação de escala Likert dos itens do CSAI-2 em atletas / CSAIs2 Likert rating scale assessment in athletes

Este artigo investigou evidências de validade por estrutura interna para o Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) em atletas pelo modelo de Rasch. Foram investigados 172 atletas de cinco modalidades esportivas distintas, com idades entre 14 e 58 anos com média de idade de 21 anos (DP=5,99). O instrumento avalia ansiedade em situação de competição e possui 27 itens em formato likert com quatro níveis possíveis de avaliação para assinalar a frequência de ocorrência. A análise das categorias de resposta dos itens revelou a pertinência de quatro níveis para a avaliação. Os resultados sugerem que uma reformulação de uma das categorias de análise do CSAI-2 deveria ser feita para possibilitar uma melhor compreensão dos itens

This article aimed to investigate internal structure validity evidences to CSAI-2 in athletes by meansof Rasch model. 172 athletes, from five different sports modality, aged from 14 to 58 years old (meanage 21 years, DP=5,99) were studied. The scale is composed by 27 items assessed in a four pointlikert scale based on the occurrence frequency of the behaviors. The item response category analysisrevealed the adequacy of three category levels in the items assessment. The results suggest a-2 category response should be done to facilitate itemcomprehension. .

Avaliação de escala Likert dos itens do CSAI-2 em atletas / CSAIs2 Likert rating scale assessment in athletes

Este artigo investigou evidências de validade por estrutura interna para o Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) em atletas pelo modelo de Rasch. Foram investigados 172 atletas de cinco modalidades esportivas distintas, com idades entre 14 e 58 anos com média de idade de 21 anos (DP=5,99). O instrumento avalia ansiedade em situação de competição e possui 27 itens em formato likert com quatro níveis possíveis de avaliação para assinalar a frequência de ocorrência. A análise das categorias de resposta dos itens revelou a pertinência de quatro níveis para a avaliação. Os resultados sugerem que uma reformulação de uma das categorias de análise do CSAI-2 deveria ser feita para possibilitar uma melhor compreensão dos itens(AU)