A1 Journal article (refereed)
Mental Skills of an Athlete as a Resource of Professional Longevity in Sport (2021)
Ментальные навыки как ресурс профессионального долголетия спортсмена

Bochaver, K.A., Dovzhik, L.M., Bondarev, D. V., & Savinkina, A.O. (2021). Mental Skills of an Athlete as a Resource of Professional Longevity in Sport. Eksperimental'naya Psikhologiya, 14(4), 58-75. https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2021140403

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Bochaver, K.A.; Dovzhik, L.M.; Bondarev, Dmytro V.; Savinkina, A.O.

Journal or series: Eksperimental'naya Psikhologiya

ISSN: 2072-7593

eISSN: 2311-7036

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 14

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 58-75

Publisher: Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

Publication country: Russian Federation

Publication language: Russian

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2021140403

Persistent website address: https://psyjournals.ru/en/exp/2021/n4/Bochaver_et_al.shtml

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79298

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess associations between dimensions of mental skills, psychological readiness and predictors of career longevity among current athletes. Mental skills dimensions were measured with the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT). The psychological predictors of athletic career longevity were measured with the Athletic Coping Skills Scale-28 (the ACSI-28) producing scores for seven coping skills and with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) which produced scores for confidence in competition. Overall, 253 current athletes (average age 22 years) of various competitive levels (classified to 5 groups according to the national sport classification system) participated in the study. The results showed that coping skills and confidence in competition positively associated with various range of mental skills dimensions. The competitive level was related to stress reactions, fear control, focusing, refocusing and imagery coping skills. The results suggest that some mental skills may came with experience, while the development of other mental skills may require interventions to reduce the likelihood of early termination of the professional career and achieve career longevity. The results also discussed in terms of a holistic perception of sports psychology and focuses not only on performance, but also on the well-being and sustainable development of the athletes.

Keywords: athletes; coaching; psychological coaching; mental well-being; stress (biological phenomena); stress management; anxiety; coping; managing; performance (capacity); sport psychology

Free keywords: diagnostics; intervention; coping skills; mental toughness; mental skills; sport psychology; sport; peak performance sport; stress; stress resilience; anxiety; training

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

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