Athletes mental skills and stress factors : in the preparation of competing at the Olympic Games
The importance of good mental skills for elite athletes has repeatedly been shown by previous studies. The present study examined athletes’ mental skills and stress factors prior to the Olympic Games (OG). Sampling was obtained by an online survey, emailed to athletes aiming for the 2012 and 2016 OG. Participants were 33 athletes aged 16-45, from eight different sports, divided into two groups; athletes who qualified for the OG (n = 11) and those who did not (n = 22). Two self-report scales were submitted; the OMSAT-3 measuring mental skills and the PSS measuring stress. In the light of previous studies, it was hypothesized that athletes qualifying for the OG would score higher in mental skills and lower on the stress scale. Even though athletes qualifying for the OG measured higher in all OMSAT-3 subscales, and lower on the PSS, than those who did not qualify, difference between the two groups was not significant. Despite insignificance, higher mental skills and lower stress levels characterized the group that qualified for the OG, which may underline the importance of high level of mental skills for elite athletes. Keywords: OMSAT, PSS, mental skills, stress, Olympic Games, elite athletes
Sálfræði, Íþróttasálfræði, Hugarþjálfun, Afreksíþróttir, Psychology, Athletes Psychology, Mental skills
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations