ANXIETY EXPERIENCES AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG TGR PENCAK SILAT ATHLETES DURING COMPETITION : A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This study investigated the dynamics of anxiety experienced by Indonesian pencak silat athletes leading up to competition. As part of Indonesia's global cultural heritage, pencak silat is often hampered by anxiety that affects athletes' performance. Psychological aspects such as the ability to overcome obstacles and maintain concentration are crucial in the management of this anxiety. Coaches have an important role in supporting athletes to recognise and address their anxiety patterns and in designing effective coping strategies. The research approach used was qualitative, with informal interviews as the main method to explore the athletes' experiences in depth. The research participants consisted of 10 Indonesian pencak silat athletes (6 males and 4 females) who had varying levels of experience and competition, including in singles, doubles, and team categories at the elite level. Data were collected through in-depth interviews as well as visual methods such as images and diagrams, which were then thematically analysed. The main objective of this study was to deepen the understanding of the fluctuations in anxiety experienced by athletes leading up to competitions and the coping strategies they use. Research findings revealed that female athletes tend to experience higher anxiety than male athletes, which is influenced by biological factors such as hormonal changes. At national and regional levels, athletes often feel pressure to perform and fulfil expectations, which is a major cause of their anxiety. With a creative visual approach, athletes can increase their understanding and ability to express their anxiety experiences, allowing coaches to gain greater insight to develop more effective coping strategies.