Relationship between Coaches' Sense of Humor and Teamwork Effectiveness in Athletes: Mediating Role of Psychological Capital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Tabari Institute of Higher Education, Babol, Iran.

4 MS in Educational Psychology, Farvardin Institute of Higher Education, GhaemShahr, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between coaches' sense of humor and the effectiveness of group work in athletes, with the mediating role of psychological capital.
Methods: This research utilized a correlational study design using structural equation modelling. A total of 200 team sport athletes from Tehran voluntarily completed the psychological capital questionnaire developed by Luthans et al. (2007), as well as the sense of humor and group work effectiveness questionnaires by Friedman and Yaarbaragh (1985). Data were analyzed using path analysis and the Smart-PLS software.
Results: The results indicated that coaches' sense of humor positively influences the effectiveness of group work in athletes. Additionally, psychological capital also has a positive impact on the effectiveness of group work in athletes. Ultimately, psychological capital plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between coaches' sense of humor and the effectiveness of group work in athletes (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: It is evident that sense of humor, by fostering hope and psychological capital in athletes, enhances the effectiveness of group work. Therefore, coaches can enhance teamwork or group work in athletes based on the findings of this study.
 

Keywords


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