The relationship between psychological resilience and competition performance of taekwondo athletes under new rules

This study investigated the relationship between psychological resilience and competition performance among elite taekwondo athletes under new rules. A sample of 120 athletes (65 males, 55 females) participated in a comprehensive assessment using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Taekwondo Performance Evaluation Scale (TPES), and salivary cortisol measurements. Performance was evaluated through both objective indicators (win-loss ratios, point differentials) and subjective coach ratings. Resilience scores showed significant positive correlations with win-loss ratios (r = 0.48, p < .001) and point differentials (r = 0.62, p < .001). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that resilience significantly predicted performance outcomes (β = 0.41, p < .001 for win-loss ratios; β = 0.53, p < .001 for point differentials) after controlling for demographic variables. A significant interaction between resilience and experience (β = 0.18, p < .05) suggested that the impact of resilience on performance increases with competitive experience. Comparative analysis demonstrated a stronger positive effect of resilience on performance under new rules compared to old rules (interaction effect: β = 0.24, p < .01). Additionally, pre- and post-competition salivary cortisol measurements showed higher reactivity under new rules (t(119) = 3.87, p < .001, d = 0.35), indicating increased psychological demands. These findings highlight the crucial role of psychological resilience in taekwondo performance, especially in adapting to rule changes. The study underscores the importance of incorporating resilience training into athletes' preparation programs and suggests directions for future research in combat sports psychology.