Longitudinal Changes in the Acquisition of Life Skills for University Student Judo Athletes

[Introduction and Objectives] This study aims to investigate the longitudinal changes in life skills of university student athletes using a longitudinal approach, and to gain insights into educational coaching and support. [Methods] The survey was conducted three times in May, September 2017, and February 2018, targeting 29 first-year university judo athletes who had achieved excellent results in competitions. The survey content was the Appraisal Scale of Required Life Skills for College Student Athlete. This scale can evaluate the life skills required of athletes from 10 aspects (e.g. setting goal). The statistical processing was conducted with a focus on life skills and higher-order life skills. Specifically, a repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted for each subscale of the Life Skills Scale. The same analysis was also conducted based on gender. [Results and Conclusion] Results of multiple comparisons after that, significant differences were found in the SG, TC, BH, and AO at different time points. In addition, a significant interaction was observed in MP. Multiple comparisons showed that the scores at Time 2 for SG and Time 3 for TC and BH were higher than those at Time 1. On the other hand, a significant difference was found in the PSS for higher-order life skills, with the score at Time 3 being significantly higher than that at Time 1. Furthermore, MP improved from the first to the second point in time for female only. From the above, it is suggested that each aspect of life skills in university judo athletes is acquired over time. Finally, the need for longitudinal study on the acquisition of life skills was suggested.