Sport Anxiety, Fear of Negative Evaluation, Stress and Coping as Predictors of Athlete’s Sensitivity to the Behavior of Supporters

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find predictors of athlete sensitivity to the positive or negative behaviors of supporters and determine a relationship between athletes’ sensitivity to the positive and negative behaviors of supporters and traits such as anxiety and stress or the strategies used to cope with stress. The sample consisted of 171 professional athletes. The study determined three variables that are predictors of athlete sensitivity to the positive behavior of supporters (SPS), i.e., strategies of coping with stress, such as high levels of coachability, confidence and achievement motivation and low levels of freedom from worry (change R2 = 0.15, F of change = 9.78, p of change < 0.001). The predictors of sensitivity to the negative behavior of supporters (SNS) are as follows: a low level of freedom from worry and a high level of fear of negative evaluation (change R2 = 0.31, F of change = 38.56, p of change < 0.001). In the context of the athlete’s position, the predictors of SPS for midfielders are as follows: high level of susceptibility to stress and two strategies of coping with stress, i.e., peaking under pressure and concentration. For forwarders they are as follows: high level of worry and coping with stress via goal-setting, while for defenders, the ways of coping with stress are confidence and achievement motivation. In terms of SNS, for defenders, the predictors are low levels of freedom from worry, coachability, and a high level of fear of negative evaluation. Forwarders, who are sensitive to the negative behavior of supporters, are characterized by a fear of negative evaluation.

Elit Sporcuların Akıl Dışı Performans İnançları ile Sporda Kaygı Seviyeleri Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi

“…However, it is important to note that athletes' psychological skills can be strongly influenced by negative experiences such as fear, worry, anxiety, and stress. [8][9][10] Additionally, factors such as the desire of athletes to perform at a high level, the pressure of being liked by coaches and the environment, the influence of spectators, and material expectations are among the significant factors that affect athletes in the sports environment. 11 Along with irrational beliefs, athletes can display dysfunctional emotions and maladaptive behaviors.…”

Mindfulness and Psychological Inflexibility in Portuguese Adolescent Athletes: A Novel Framework for Understanding the Link Between Shame and Sports Anxiety

“…(e.g., Gabrys & Wontorczyk, 2023;Küttel & Larsen, 2020;Oliveira et al, 2019). In fact, athletes are commonly assessed under performance and success criteria by external figures (Sagar et al, 2007).…”