Internal Resilience and Psychological Coping Mechanisms Among Female Athletes in Selected Universities in Shaanxi Province, China

This study investigates the internal resilience and psychological coping mechanisms of female athletes in selected universities in Shaanxi Province, China. Internal resilience, defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, and coping mechanisms, which refer to strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges, are critical factors influencing female athletes’ well-being and performance. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected through 309 valid questionnaires and in-depth interviews with athletes and physical education teachers. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS to examine patterns and relationships. Findings reveal that most respondents were aged 17–18, had 9–12 years of athletic experience, and primarily participated in basketball. Results show that female athletes demonstrated considerable internal resilience, particularly in maintaining focus under pressure, bouncing back from setbacks, and sustaining a positive mindset during challenges. Furthermore, psychological coping mechanisms were found to be effective and closely associated with resilience, indicating that as internal resilience increases, coping strategies are also enhanced. The study concludes that resilience and coping mechanisms are mutually reinforcing and remain consistent across age, years of experience, and type of sport. The research highlights the importance of integrating resilience-building and coping strategies into sports training. Recommendations include strengthening mental toughness, promoting mindfulness and recovery techniques, encouraging positive self-talk and cognitive restructuring, applying goal-setting and visualization methods, and fostering social support networks. These strategies aim to optimize the psychological well-being and performance of female athletes while contributing to the development of holistic sports programs.