Investigation of Pre-Competition State Anxiety Levels of Athletes

This study analysed the pre-competition levels of cognitive anxiety (CA), somatic anxiety (SA) and self-confidence (SC) of athletes in various sports. The sample consisted of 277 athletes (92 females, 185 males) aged 15–34, selected through non-probability sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R), a 4- point Likert scale measuring CA, SA, and SC, administered 30 minutes before competition. Results revealed that male athletes had higher SC levels than females. Athletes who participated in national competitions had lower SC levels compared to those who did not, while no significant difference was found for international competition participation. Agerelated differences were observed: CA levels were higher in athletes aged 15–19 compared to those aged 30–34, and higher in athletes aged 25–29 than in those aged 20–24 and 30–34. Volleyball players exhibited lower CA levels than football and athletics athletes. Athletes with 2–5 years of experience had lower SC than those with 10–17 years of experience, and athletes with 14–17 years of experience had higher SC than those with 6–9 years. No significant differences were found based on weekly training frequency. The study highlights significant variations in state anxiety among athletes based on age, gender, sport type, and experience. It underscores the need for enhanced sports psychology training for athletes and coaches to reduce anxiety and improve psychological awareness, ultimately optimizing performance.