Author(s): Charles A Joseph, Jackson Paul V and Kunjikannan R

Abstract:
Neuroticism, a core dimension of personality, reflects an individual’s propensity to experience negative emotional states such as anxiety, irritability, and self-doubt. In the context of competitive sports, neuroticism plays a critical role in influencing athletes’ psychological well-being, stress responses, and overall performance. This study aimed to investigate and compare the levels of neuroticism among athletes participating in four different sports disciplines: Track & Field, Volleyball, Football, and Basketball. A total of 960 athletes across junior, youth, and senior categories, who had participated at least at the district level, were selected for the study. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) was employed as the primary tool for assessing neuroticism. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were calculated, and inferential statistics were applied using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to examine differences in neuroticism scores across the four sports. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in neuroticism levels (F = 4.98, p< 0.01). Volleyball players showed the highest average neuroticism score (M = 13.51), followed by football (M = 12.97), track & field (M = 12.82), and basketball (M = 12.80). Post hoc analysis using the LSD procedure further indicated that neuroticism scores were significantly higher in volleyball compared to track & field, football, and basketball. The findings suggest that the psychological nature and structural demands of specific sports can influence athletes' emotional profiles. In particular, the elevated neuroticism in volleyball players may be linked to the sport's intense performance pressure, fast-paced coordination, and frequent situational stress. These insights highlight the necessity for sport-specific psychological interventions, such as mental skills training, emotional regulation strategies, and counselling, especially for athletes in high-pressure team sports. By identifying sport-based variations in neuroticism, this study contributes valuable knowledge to the field of sports psychology, aiding coaches, trainers, and mental health professionals in developing athlete-centered programs that support emotional resilience and optimal performance.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i4b.3876

Pages: 91-94  |  254 Views  151 Downloads

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