The Role of Sociodemographic Factors and Decision- Making Styles in Perceived Stress Among Volleyball Referees

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic indicators and decision-making styles and the level of perceived stress in Polish volleyball referees. Methods: A total of 141 volleyball referees participated in the study, including 68.09% men (n= 96) and 31.91% women (n= 45). The mean age of the participants was 38.94±15.79 years. To identify the preferred decision-making style of volleyball referees, the study used the General Decision-Making Style Inventory (KSPD in Polish). Perceived stress of volleyball referees was measured using the Polish adaptation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The survey was conducted online using a test battery of self-report questionnaires. Results: Regression analysis revealed that both sociodemographic factors and decision-making styles significantly predicted stress levels in volleyball referees. Sociodemographic factors alone explained 8.4% of the variance in stress (R²= .084, P= .035), with gender emerging as the only significant predictor. Men reported lower levels of perceived stress than women (B= -4.128, P= .003). When decision-making styles were included in the model, a significant improvement in the model was observed, with the power of the explained perceived stress level increasing to 28.8% (R²= .288, P< .001). In this extended model, gender remained a significant predictor. Among decision-making styles, the rational (B= - .447, P= .037) and spontaneous (B= .442, P< .001) styles were identified as factors associated with lower levels of perceived stress. In contrast, the avoidant style was identified as a factor associated with higher levels of perceived stress (B= - .331, P= .038). Conclusions: The findings indicate a significant association between decision-making styles, gender, and perceived stress levels among volleyball referees. It would seem important to include a gender perspective in stress support and prevention, and to focus on developing adaptive decision-making styles.