A study on psychological flexibility, athletic self-efficacy, perception of inclusion, perfectionism and identity in athletes

This research paper investigates the complex interrelationships among key psychological variables in the context of athletic performance. The study focuses on 436 male and female participants aged 18-30, comprising athletes from government and private teams. These athletes were engaged in various group sports like Basketball, Cricket, Volleyball, Kabbadi, and Handball for at least one year. The data captured an understanding of psychological flexibility, athletic self-efficacy, perception of inclusion, perfectionism, and identity through a combination of offline and online questionnaire administration. The statistical analysis of the collected data employs T-tests, ANOVA, and Multiple Regression. The results revealed that psychological flexibility, athletic self-efficacy, perception of inclusion, and perfectionism showed significant differences in the nature of the team, sibling engagement, and hours of practice. It was noted that practicing for more than 8 hours significantly contributes to an athlete’s personal identity. We also found noteworthy predictors among psychological flexibility, athletic self-efficacy, perception of inclusion, perfectionism, and identity in private and government team athletes. This study's findings offer insights for athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists to enhance performance through understanding psychological factors. Stakeholders, including parents, team management, and policymakers can use these insights to create a supportive environment for athletes.