Perception of social support provided by coaches, optimism/pessimism, and psychological well-being: Gender differences and mediating effect models

Abstract

This study explored whether gender differences exist in social support, optimism/pessimism, and psychological well-being among university student athletes and examined the relationship among these three variables and the mediating effect of optimism/pessimism. A total of 322 university student athletes (159 men and 163 women) who were Division 1 athletes participated in this study. The research instruments used in this study comprised the revised Athletes’ Received Support Questionnaire, the Life Orientation Test, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results demonstrated the influence of gender differences for some variables. Regarding pessimistic tendency and autonomy (a dimension of the Psychological Well-Being Scale), the average scores of men were significantly higher than those of women. Regarding the other three dimensions of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (purpose in life, positive relationships with others, and personal growth), the average scores were higher for women than for men. Moreover, significant positive correlations were observed among social support provided by coaches, optimism, and psychological well-being. Optimism mediated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, and pessimism was negatively correlated with psychological well-being; however, the mediating path was not significant. Finally, suggestions for future research and practical implications are proposed for researchers, educators, and supervisors in the field of sports.

Sustainable Education in the Context of COVID-19: Study of the Social Perception and Well-Being of Students at the Faculty of Engineering in Sibiu, Romania

“…Optimism and euphoria, in the present research, have an impact on self-image and social perception. Other studies mentioned a correlation between optimism and social perception [72][73][74]. The explanation of the results obtained through the prism of optimism is also supported by the results of another study, conducted in Europe in 2020, according to which Romanians were the most optimistic people during the COVID-19 pandemic [75].…”

Influence of Psychological Factors in Federated Futsal and Lifeguard Athletes, Differences by Gender and Category

“…These data are in opposition to other studies, albeit conducted in the academic field, where Extremera et al ( 2007 ) found that male students showed a stronger optimistic tendency than female students. However, some studies have found that there were no gender differences, for example: Tan and Tan ( 2014 ), Aranzana et al ( 2016 ), Hinz et al ( 2017 ), Reche et al ( 2018 ), and Cnen et al ( 2020 ). Furthermore, other authors indicate differences in the interpretation of symptoms in relation to the type of sport and competition experience (Mellalieu et al, 2004 ).…”

Perception of Local Participants during Samosir Ultra Marathon 10 Kilometers Championship

“…That motivation directly affects satisfaction and indirectly affects loyalty, whereas satisfaction directly affects attendee loyalty at aboriginal festivals [29]. Positive correlations were observed among social support provided by coaches, optimism, and psychological well-being [20]. Teachers have a good perception, which is indicated by a dominant good result, according to them, by making Lake Sipin area, will make students motivated to become rowing athletes [30].…”

“…Those athletes who are well-peer mentored by a teammate perceive higher satisfaction levels with various aspects of their athletic experience and teammate support in enhancing the student-athletes subjective well-being [18] [19]. Athletes' perception of social support provided by coaches was positively correlated with their optimistic tendency and psychological well-being [20]. A moderate relationship was found between leadership and cohesion, and a close relationship was found between leadership and satisfaction [21].…”