Research Article

Beyond the Scoreboard: A Sectional Study on Competitive Sports Anxiety in Football Players

Ragini Adhikari¹, Girish Raj², Vaishali Chaudhary¹ and Samuel Andrew Pullinger¹*

¹Sport Science Department, Inspire Institute of Sport, Bellary, India

²Sport Science Department, Bengaluru Football Club, Bangalore, India

Submission: September 03, 2024; Published: September 19, 2024

*Corresponding author: Samuel Andrew Pullinger, Head of Sport Science, Inspire Institute of Sport, Bellary, India

How to cite this article: Ragini Adhikari, Girish Raj, Vaishali Chaudhary and Samuel Andrew Pullinger. Beyond the Scoreboard: A Sectional Study on Competitive Sports Anxiety in Football Players. Psychol Behav Sci Int J. 2024; 22(3): 556086. DOI: 10.19080/PBSIJ.2024.22.556086.

Abstract

Competitive sports anxiety is a prevalent psychological phenomenon with measurable implications for athlete performance and well-being. The aim of this quantitative study was to determine the prevalence of competitive sports anxiety in football players. The research was conducted during the 2023 season of the Reliance Foundation Development League, which spanned from April to May, utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 20 national-level football players from Bengaluru Football Club participated in the study, which was facilitated by the Sport Science support staff. Standardized instruments, including the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2), were administered to assess specific dimensions of sports anxiety. In addition, demographic variables and perceived importance were quantitatively measured. Preliminary statistical analyses revealed a mix of Gaussian and non-Gaussian data distributions, prompting the use of non-parametric tests. Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships, including a moderate negative correlation between age and total sports anxiety (r = -0.412, p = 0.045), a moderate positive correlation between perceived importance and total sports anxiety (r = 0.527, p = 0.017), and a strong positive correlation between total sports anxiety and both cognitive anxiety (r = 0.708, p < 0.001) and somatic anxiety (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). This study provides quantitative insights into the prevalence and correlates of competitive sports anxiety in football players. The findings emphasize the need for data-driven interventions targeting age-related concerns, perceived importance, and self-confidence to enhance athlete well-being and performance. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and investigate these variables across a broader range of sports to deepen the quantitative understanding of sports anxiety in competitive contexts.

Keywords: Emotion; Sport Anxiety; Soccer; Sport Psychology

Abbreviations: SCAT: Sport Competition Anxiety Test; CSAI: Competitive State Anxiety Inventory; IQR: Inter Quartile Ranges

Introduction

In the dynamic world of competitive sports, athletes often grapple with a range of psychological challenges, with sports anxiety being a concerning factor. Anxiety is the apprehensive response to perceived threats, predominantly revolving around the fear of failure in various life endeavours with adverse impacts on normal bodily functions Marwat [1], Sultanov [2]. In sports, anxiety manifests through complex behavioural, physiological, and cognitive symptoms Lalrinzuala & Boro [4]. Cognitive and somatic forms of anxiety represent two broad categories, each with its own distinct nature and manifestations Arroyo Del Bosque, et al. [4]. Somatic anxiety usually displays physical symptoms, whereas cognitive anxiety is typically expressed through feelings of fear, worry, and thoughts within the mind. Anxiety arises as an ineffective psychobiological reaction to a vaguely perceived threat, resulting in reduced sporting performance due to the challenge of safeguarding oneself in the face of an uncertain and unpredictable event Sopa & Pomohaci [5]. This multifaceted phenomenon involves the dimensions of cognition, somatic, and self-confidence, impacting the mental states of athletes before and during competitions which often lead to stress. As a result, these factors may influence the likelihood of injury occurrence in athletes which in turn may hamper the overall performance of the individual Dikmen & Schwab [6]. Lately, the emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak has become an added factor contributing to stress and anxiety among athletes Mehrsafar, et al. [7]. As a pervasive element in sports psychology, understanding sports anxiety is critical for optimizing athlete performance and fostering overall well-being. Football is an incredibly dynamic sport and is highly dependent on a myriad of factors where social, psychological, and technical-tactical elements seamlessly intertwine Castro-Sanchez, et al. [8], D’Hooghe [9], Pullinger, et al. [10]. The inherent challenges of the game, such as rapid decision making, physical demands, and the weight of representing their teams on a global platform, render football players more prone to intense emotions in competitive environments that can escalate into anxiety Kaplanova [11], Rice et al. [12]. Investigating sports anxiety in football not only contributes to the specific understanding of this sport but also provides insights with broader applicability to competitive athletes across other sporting disciplines. The mental aspect of sports is often overlooked, but it holds utmost importance. Being prepared for unexpected outcomes is a big part of being a successful athlete. Psychological training helps athletes develop resilience, cope with pressure, and manage the emotions that come with both success and failure. It’s a proactive approach to maintaining mental strength rather than just a reactive response after a setback Kaplanova [11].

Athletes and researchers agree that developing the mental toughness to manage emotions, like anxiety, and handle stress is a crucial psychological skill for athletes, essential for both competition and everyday life Kristjánsdóttir [13]. Several tools have been developed over the years to measure anxiety and its symptoms objectively. The CSAI-2, developed by Martens and colleagues [14] is one such tool. It encompasses three subscales: Cognitive Anxiety, Somatic Anxiety, and Self-Confidence, providing a multidimensional perspective on athletes’ anxiety states. Yet another objective measure of anxiety is the SCAT, developed by Martens [15], which focuses specifically on cognitive anxiety experienced in sport competition. These well-established scales have demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing anxietyrelated constructs. However, understanding the connection between anxiety and performance is intricate. According to the inverted-U theory, performance is adversely impacted by both high and low levels of anxiety in a similar manner. Optimal performance occurs when an athlete experiences a moderate level of anxiety, positioned at the midpoint of the curve Kristjandottir [13]. In a study conducted by Lalrinzuala & Boro [4] it was observed that senior players display a diminished level of anxiety. This finding aligns with the conclusions drawn by Sultanov [2], suggesting that through practice and experience, athletes can effectively identify and employ methods to mitigate sources of competitive anxiety. While there have been studies addressing anxiety levels among professional football players and hockey athletes in India Chahar [16], surprisingly, there has been a lack of recent research that exclusively centred on understanding anxiety in professional football players. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this research is the first of its kind to address the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of competitive sports anxiety in football players in India. Recognizing the nuanced manifestations of sports anxiety allows for the formulation of targeted interventions, equipping players, coaches, and sports psychologists with strategies to mitigate its impact.

Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of competitive sports anxiety in football players to provide a foundational understanding of the pervasiveness of anxiety in the Indian footballing community, helping tailor interventions to specific populations within the sport. We further aim to seek to identify and delineate the demographic, environmental, and personal factors that correlate with heightened sports anxiety in football players.

Methods

Study Design

A cross-sectional design was adopted allowing for the simultaneous investigation of multiple factors associated with sports anxiety, contributing to a holistic exploration of the phenomenon within the targeted population.

Participants

Twenty-four elite male Indian Football players who were a part of the Bengaluru Football Club Reserve team squad for the 2022- 2023 season, with an average club football experience of 7.12 ± 0.85 years took part in the study. The demographic characteristics (mean ± SD) were age, 19.4 ± 2.7 years, body mass 67.7 ± 6.6 kg, body stature 173.6 ± 4.6 cm, and BMI of 22.4 ± 1.3. The study was conducted during the 2023 season of Reliance Foundation Development League, which spanned from April to May. The data was collected for a total of four football matches and all the players trained for 20-24 hours per week. All participants had an education level higher than secondary school. Players currently undergoing support for anxiety-related conditions were excluded to ensure a more homogeneous sample. The individuals who failed to complete the questionnaire on two or more occasions were eliminated from the statistical analysis, resulting in a final dataset of twenty players for study. Athletes meeting the inclusion criteria were informed verbally about the study objectives, procedures, and potential benefits at the time of inducement. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their formal inclusion in the study. The confidentiality of the participants and the anonymisation of collected data were emphasised during the recruitment process. All data collected were coded with unique identifiers to dissociate responses from individual athletes. Experimental procedures were approved by the Inspire Institute of Sport Ethics (EC/IIS/2023/011), aligning with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Procedure

Two questionnaires were implemented with the players: the Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT Martens [14] and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). Data collection took place on match days at the training facilities, two hours before leaving for the match venue. The questionnaires were administered in a quiet and designated area to minimize distractions and ensure privacy. The order of questionnaire administration (CSAI-2) followed by SCAT) was standardized across all participants to maintain consistency. Participants were encouraged to give honest answers while keeping a significant distance from one another to avoid potential bias and assure the genuineness of their responses. Participants responded with pen and paper. In addition, they were also asked to report their “Level of importance for a match out of 7.” There was no time limit for the participants to fill the questionnaire, but on an average, it took 7-10 minutes for each athlete to finish answering the questionnaire in a single session. The Sport Science support team played an active role in overseeing the data collection process, addressing queries, and ensuring a clear understanding of the voluntary nature throughout their participation. Completed questionnaires were collected promptly to avoid any external influences on participants’ responses.

Outcome Measures

The outcome measures were chosen with an aim to capture a comprehensive profile of the athletes and explore potential associations with their experiences of sports anxiety. Demographic and psychological variables were included to better characterise competitive sports anxiety in national-level football. Nationallevel football players’ competitive sports anxiety was examined using numerous independent variables. Perceptual importance was athletes’ subjective assessment of the competition. Anxietyrelated variables included: SCAT (Sport Competition Anxiety Test), total score, serving as an overall measure of anxiety specific to sport competition. CSAI-2, cognitive score, which measures cognitive aspects of anxiety. CSAI-2, Somatic Score, assessing physiological symptoms of anxiety. CSAI-2, self-confidence, functioning as a subscale to gauge athletes’ confidence in their abilities during competition.

Statistical Analysis

The normality of the data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Data has been summarised as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). The variables included playing years, age, body stature, body mass, BMI, perceptual importance, and scores on anxiety-related measures (SCAI, CSAI-2 Cognitive, CSAI-2 Somatic, CSAI-2 Self-Confidence). Outliers were assessed using the Rout’s method with a Q-score threshold level set at 1%. To explore the relationship between the demographic variables and the anxiety-related measures, a series of correlation analysis was conducted between the two. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient, denoted as ρ, encompasses values within the range of -1 to 1, signifying the strength and directionality of a monotonic correlation. A ρ value of 1 indicates a perfect positive monotonic correlation, showcasing a direct and consistent relationship between variables. When 1 > ρ ≥ 0.8, the correlation is deemed strong and positive, while a range of 0.8 > ρ ≥ 0.4 suggests a moderate positive monotonic correlation. Values from 0.4 to 0 indicate a weak positive monotonic correlation, with no discernible correlation observed at ρ = 0. On the negative side, a ρ value of 0 > ρ ≥ -0.4 represents a weak negative monotonic correlation, -0.4 > ρ ≥ -0.8 indicates a moderate negative monotonic correlation, and -0.8 > ρ > -1 reflects a strong negative monotonic correlation. A ρ value of -1 signifies a perfect negative monotonic correlation, indicating an inverse and consistent relationship between the variables. All analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism, keeping the level of alpha at 5%.

The median values, first quartiles (Q1), and third quartiles (Q3) are provided for various variables. The distribution of playing years shows a median of 7.0 yrs, with Q1 at 6.3 and Q3 at 8.0. The participants have a median age of 17.3 yrs, with Q1 at 19.0 and Q3 at 21.8, body stature with a median of 171.4 cm, Q1 at 169.7, and Q3 at 178.2, and median body mass of 68.5 kg, with Q1 at 61.0 and Q3 at 71.8. Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a median of 22.7, Q1 at 21.1, and Q3 at 23.4. Perceptual importance showed a median value of 6.9, Q1 at 6.6, and Q3 at 7.0. Scores on anxiety inventories include SCAI (Total Score) with a median of 15.0 (interquartile range of 12.3 to 18.0), Cognitive Score of CSAI-2 with a median of 15.0 (interquartile range of 15.0 to 19.8), Somatic Score of CSAI-2 with a median of 12.0 (interquartile range of 11.0 to 13.8), and Self-Confidence CSAI-2 with a median of 28.0 (interquartile range of 25.0 to 32.0). In examining the relationship between SCAT Total scores and athlete characteristics, a noteworthy pattern emerged. A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.412, p = 0.045; Table 1) was identified between the total scores on the Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (SCAT) and the age of the athletes. Additionally, an intriguing association was discovered between SCAT Total scores and the perceived importance level of matches showing moderate positive correlation (r = 0.527, p = 0.017; Table 1). Strong positive relationships were found between the SCAT scores with the cognitive domain of CSAI-2 (r = 0.708, p < 0.001; Table 1) and Somatic Domain of CSAI-2 (r = 0.665, p < 0.001; Table 1). A moderate negative relationship (r = -0.332, p = 0.001; Table 1) was found between the total scores on the SCAT and the self-confidence domain of the CSAI-2. An examination of the relationships within the context of athletes’ characteristics revealed several significant associations with CSAI-2. Specifically, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.190, p = 0.043; Table 1) was discerned between the number of playing years and the selfconfidence subscale of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2). Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.461, p = 0.023; Table 1) was identified between the CSAI-2 cognitive domain and the somatic domain. Contrarily, a robust negative correlation (r = -0.632, p < 0.001; Table 1) was observed between the CSAI-2 cognitive domain and the somatic domain.

Discussion

The present study provides insights on the intricate relationships between demographic variables and competitive anxiety in football players. Competitive sports anxiety is prevalent and impactful in sports leading to compromised performance and well-being. Limited research exists specifically on football players in India, despite the sport’s popularity and the potential for unique stressors. Understanding factors associated with and the impact of anxiety can inform targeted interventions for athletes. This discussion delves into key findings, their implications, and how they contribute to the existing literature on sports psychology. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study gathered data from 24 elite athletes during their pre-season training camp in August 2023. Standardised questionnaires, including the sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2), were used to assess various dimensions of anxiety. Additionally, demographic variables, playing positions, and perceptions of match importance were measured. The observed negative correlation between age and sport competitive anxiety aligns with previous research Martens, et al. [14], Chahar [16] suggesting that as athletes mature, they may develop enhanced coping mechanisms, resilience, and emotional regulation skills Kaplánová [11]. Older athletes may perceive competitive situations with a greater sense of control, leading to lower anxiety levels Arroyo del Bosque, et al. [4]. These findings underscore the importance of considering age-related factors when addressing and managing competitive anxiety in sports training programs. The positive correlation between perceived importance and sport competitive anxiety corroborates existing literature emphasizing the psychological weight attributed to high-stakes matches Castro-Sánchez, et al. [8], Mehrsafar, et al. [7]. Athletes may experience heightened anxiety when they perceive a match as crucial, potentially influencing their performance Sopa, Pomohaci [5]. Strategies to manage anxiety in such situations, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness, should be integrated into athlete training programs, recognizing the impact of perceived importance on psychological well-being Rice, et al. [12]. The strong positive associations between overall sport competitive anxiety and both cognitive and somatic anxiety dimensions are consistent with the multidimensional nature of anxiety proposed by the CSAI-2 Martens [15] These findings underscore the interconnectedness of cognitive (e.g., worry, doubt) and somatic (e.g., muscle tension, rapid heartbeat) aspects, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions targeting both cognitive and physiological dimensions of anxiety to enhance athletes’ mental resilience Kaplánová [11]. The negative correlation between self-confidence and sport competitive anxiety highlights the protective role of self-confidence in mitigating anxiety levels Kristjánsdóttir, et al. [13]. Athletes with higher selfconfidence may exhibit greater emotional stability and perform optimally under pressure Jana [17]. Integrating self-confidencebuilding strategies into training programs may prove beneficial in fostering a positive psychological state and reducing competitive anxiety Kaplánová [11].

The positive correlation between the number of playing years and self-confidence aligns with the idea that experience in competitive settings contributes to the development of selfassurance Sultanov [2]. Seasoned athletes may draw from a wealth of past experiences, fostering a sense of mastery and control that positively influences their self-confidence Dikmen, Schwab [6]. This finding supports the notion that longevity in sports participation may contribute to the psychological resilience of athletes Lalrinzuala, Boro [3]. The identified connections between age, perceived importance, self-confidence, and various anxiety dimensions highlight the need for tailored interventions that address specific psychological vulnerabilities and strengthen athletes’ mental resilience. As the demands of competitive sports continue to intensify, promoting athlete wellbeing through a nuanced understanding and management of anxiety becomes increasingly crucial for optimizing performance and fostering long-term success on the field. Understanding the factors influencing competitive anxiety is crucial for developing targeted interventions in athlete training programs. Mental skills training, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural strategies tailored to address age-related concerns, perceived importance, and confidence-building can be integrated into sports coaching. Moreover, creating a supportive team environment that acknowledges and addresses psychological aspects is essential for promoting athlete well-being Marwat et al. [1]. While this study provides valuable insights, it is not without limitations. The relatively small sample size and focus on a specific sport may limit the generalizability of findings. Future research could explore a broader range of sports and incorporate a larger and more diverse participant pool. Longitudinal studies would offer a dynamic understanding of how competitive anxiety evolves over an athlete’s career Li, et al. [18].

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of competitive anxiety in football players, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this psychological phenomenon. The identified relationships between demographic variables and anxiety dimensions provide a foundation for tailored interventions aimed at enhancing athletes’ mental resilience and well-being. As sports continue to evolve, addressing the psychological aspects of athlete performance becomes increasingly pivotal for optimizing training programs and fostering long-term success.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the athletes for their participation. The authors also thank Dr Srishti Nanda for her research consultancy services in drafting this manuscript. All authors declare no competing or conflict of interest.

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