Comparative analysis of psychoticism personality traits in athletes from volleyball and track & field

Psychoticism, as conceptualized by Hans Eysenck, is a personality trait encompassing impulsivity, aggression, risk-taking, and creativity. This study explores the influence of psychoticism on athletes from distinct sports disciplines-track and field (Individual) and volleyball (Team-based). Employing the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R), the research examines psychoticism traits in 485 athletes categorized into three age groups: junior, youth, and senior. The study aims to evaluate differences in psychoticism levels between individual and team sports, analyse their impact on athletic performance, and provide insights for coaches and sports professionals. The findings reveal slight variations in psychoticism scores across sports disciplines, with volleyball athletes demonstrating marginally higher mean scores (11.85) compared to track and field athletes (11.39). However, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that these differences are not statistically significant (F = 2.33, P = 0.073). This suggests that psychoticism traits are relatively consistent among athletes, regardless of their participation in individual or team sports. Descriptive statistics further highlight moderate variability within groups, reflecting diverse manifestations of psychoticism across individuals. The study underscores the dual nature of psychoticism in sports. Traits like risk-taking and creativity can enhance performance by fostering bold decision-making and innovative problem-solving. Conversely, tendencies toward impulsivity and aggression may disrupt team dynamics and hinder disciplined training. The contextual demands of individual and team sports shape the expression and implications of psychoticism, influencing athletes’ interpersonal relationships, performance outcomes, and overall adaptability. By examining psychoticism in two contrasting sports environments, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between personality traits and athletic performance. It emphasizes the importance of tailored coaching strategies to manage psychoticism traits constructively, enabling athletes to harness their potential while mitigating challenges. Additionally, the findings offer valuable insights into the role of personality in sports psychology, highlighting the need for further exploration of environmental and situational factors in shaping athletic behaviour and success.