The relationship between trait anger, psychological maladjustment, psychological resilience and loneliness levels of athletes and physical inactive individuals

Background and Study Aim. Trait anger, psychological maladjustment, resilience, and loneliness are crucial aspects influencing mental health in both athletes and physically inactive individuals. Exploring these factors provides valuable insights into their psychological well-being. The study aims to investigate the relationship between trait anger, psychological maladjustment, psychological resilience, and loneliness among athletes and physically inactive individuals, with a particular focus on the predictive role of psychological resilience in these relationships. Material and Methods. The sample consisted of 793 individuals divided into three groups. These included 176 participants selected randomly, 120 team athletes, and 497 sedentary individuals. Data collection involved the following tools: the Demographic Information Form, the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Style Scale, the Psychological Maladjustment Scale, the Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Loneliness Scale. Cronbach's Alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the reliability of the scales. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between loneliness, psychological resilience, anger traits, anger expression styles, and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24. Results. For combat athletes, outward anger, anger control, and stress significantly predicted psychological resilience (R = .653, F = 15.557, p < .05), explaining 43% of the variance. Among team athletes, anger control emerged as a significant predictor (R = .605, F = 7.784, p < .05), accounting for 37% of the variance. For physically inactive individuals, outward anger, anger control, anxiety, and stress predicted psychological resilience (R = .545, F = 25.768, p < .05), explaining 30% of the variance. Across all groups, the key predictors were anxiety (β = -.219, p < .05), stress (β = -.190, p < .05), anger control (β = .196, p < .05), and outward anger (β = .189, p < .05). Conclusions. Targeted interventions focused on anger control and stress reduction can effectively enhance psychological resilience. These strategies may support both athletes and physically inactive individuals in managing psychological maladjustment and reducing loneliness.