Does competitive anxiety mediate the relationship between motor abilities and entrance exam performance?

Achieving competitive success in sports often requires navigating high-stress, anxiety-inducing situations. While motor abilities are fundamental for athletic performance, psychological factors such as anxiety also significantly impact competitive outcomes. This study explores the mediating role of competitive state anxiety components (cognitive and somatic) in the relationship between motor abilities and success on the entrance exam for the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, a high-stakes, anxiety-provoking event. We hypothesized that motor abilities would be positively correlated with performance, with cognitive and somatic anxiety mediating this relationship. The sample consisted of 100 candidates (59 males) who underwent a five-week preparation program and completed a range of motor ability tests, as well as the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2. Results revealed a moderate negative correlation between competitive anxiety and performance, with cognitive anxiety partially mediating the relationship between motor abilities and success, while somatic anxiety showed no significant mediating effect. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms linking motor skills and performance in competitive environments. We suggest that psychological interventions focusing on reducing cognitive anxiety may improve performance in high-pressure situations, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation in sports. Further research is necessary to explore these effects in real-world competitive contexts and investigate additional factors, such as athletes' perception of anxiety as facilitative or debilitative.