Psychology of competition in adolescents: anxiety and self-confidence according to type of sport

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the psychological differences between adolescents involved in individual sports and those practicing team sports, with a focus on competitive anxiety and self-confidence. The sample consisted of 53 athletes aged between 14 and 17: 22 track and field athletes (10 girls, 12 boys) and 31 handball players (17 girls, 14 boys). The evaluation was conducted using the CSAI-2 (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory – 2) questionnaire, which measures three relevant psychological dimensions: cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence. The results showed statistically significant differences between the two groups: athletes reported higher levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety, while handball players presented significantly higher levels of self-confidence. ANOVA analyses indicated that the type of sport was the determining factor for these differences, while the gender of the participants and the sport × gender interaction had no significant effects. The magnitude of effects was very large, confirming the psychological relevance of the findings. These results suggest that the specific nature of the sport disciplines shapes the competitive experience and that psychological interventions should be differentiated: for athletes in individual disciplines, the focus should be on reducing anxiety and enhancing self-efficacy, whereas for athletes in team sports the emphasis should be placed on maintaining and strengthening self-confidence and team cohesion. The study confirms the major role of the sporting context in the development of adolescents’ psychological profiles and provides practical directions for sport psychologists and coaches in mental training programs.