Competitive anxiety in teenagers: gender, maturation, level of expertise and sport modality

Abstract

This study investigated the levels of competitive anxiety in 68 adolescent athletes. All participants were evaluated through the Sport Competition Anxiety Test – SCAT and categorized in terms of biologic maturation. Initially, self-evaluations of the biologic maturation were realized by the participants and reported to the researcher. The SCAT was individually applied in state competitions, 30 minutes before de contest. The differences in the levels of competitive anxiety for gender, stage of maturation, sport played, and level of competitive expertise were analyzed through independent t-test. Significant higher levels of anxiety were found for track and field athletes, post-puberty athletes, and expertise athletes. Sgnificant differences were not observed for anxiety in relation to gender. In general, the level of competitive anxiety evidenced by the athletes was moderated. This level is considered by several researchers as ideal for an adequate performance, since the athlete’s attention is focused directly toward the specific task. Individual differences, social characteristics, and personality trends are important factors to be considered in the study of anxiety, because the athlete may perceive the anxiety as positive and facilitator of performance; whereas others athletes may be perceived it as negative and prejudicial to the performance regardless if the level of anxiety is considered low, moderate, or high.