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Μιχάλης Μητροτάσιος, Λέκτορας, ΣΕΦΑΑ, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The present study examined, using a questionnaire, the levels of pre-competition anxiety (Cognitive and Physical) and self-confidence among starting and substitute football players. The aim of the research was to find out whether the levels of pre-competition anxiety and self-confidence differ between the two groups of players (Starters and Substitute).
The sample consisted of 230 players, of which 162 were playing as Starters and 68 as Substitutes. For the purpose of the study, the CSAI-2 questionnaire was used, which included 27 questions that would help to assess the three main dimensions of stress: cognitive stress, physical stress, and self-confidence. Statistical analysis used mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and Cronbach's Alpha was applied to determine the reliability of the consistency of the factors. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the independent variables, while Pearson's correlation index (Pearson's r) was used to correlate the variables. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
The statistical results of the present study indicated that the starting players showed lower levels of cognitive anxiety (MO = 2.32, TA = 0.75) and physical anxiety (MO = 2.28, TA = 0.70) compared to substitutes, who showed higher levels of cognitive anxiety (MO = 2.76, TA = 0.78) and physical anxiety (MO = 2.72, TA = 0.80). In terms of self-confidence, the starting players had a higher mean (MO = 2.89, TA = 0.72) without statistically significant differences compared to the substitutes (MO = 2.53, TA = 0.74). In addition, analyzing the correlation between stress factors, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between cognitive and physical stress (r = 0.842), while a moderate correlation was observed between these factors and self-confidence.
In conclusion, the findings suggest that substitute football players experience greater cognitive and physical anxiety, while starting players enjoy greater self-confidence. These results highlight the need for targeted psychological interventions by coaches to reduce anxiety and enhance self-confidence, particularly for substitute and younger athletes
Keywords:
pre-competition anxiety, competitive anxiety, CSAI-2, playing time of football players, football
