Examination of Competitive Anxiety and Coping Strategies in Powerlifting Athletes: A Comparison of Provincial, National, and International Levels

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor, School of Sport Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar,

2 Ph.D.,, Department of Exercise Physiology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of competitive anxiety and coping strategies among powerlifting athletes at different competition levels (provincial, national, and international).

Methods: The statistical population of this study included 400 powerlifting athletes from Fars Province, who were randomly selected from participants in various competitions. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: the Competitive Anxiety Assessment Questionnaire to measure competitive anxiety levels and the Coping Strategies for Anxiety Questionnaire, which included 8 cognitive coping items, 6 physical coping items, and 3 negative coping items.

Findings: The results indicated a significant difference in the mean levels of competitive anxiety (total, cognitive, and physical) among the three groups (provincial, national, and international medal-winning athletes) (p<0.01). Specifically, the provincial medal-winning athletes experienced the highest level of competitive anxiety compared to the other two groups. Additionally, the results showed a significant difference between international and provincial medal-winning athletes in the use of cognitive coping strategies for competitive anxiety (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of negative coping strategies. Furthermore, the mean physical coping strategies for competitive anxiety differed significantly among all three groups (p<0.01), with international medal-winning athletes employing the highest number of cognitive and physical strategies to cope with anxiety.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that competition level and athletic experience significantly influence the level of anxiety and coping strategies among athletes. Therefore, training in effective coping strategies for anxiety management can help improve athletes' performance at various competitive levels.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Sports Psychology
Volume 17, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 165-182

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 March 2025

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