Correlation between athletes' aggressiveness and parameters of self-efficacy in high-stress competitive situations

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between athletes' aggressiveness and various parameters of self-efficacy during tense competitive situations. The sample consisted of athletes spanning different levels of sporting experience, from juniors to professionals, excluding amateurs and veterans. Participants were involved in International, European, World, and Olympic sports competitions. Their age was between 15 and 32 years. Sample characteristics: n = 120; М = 23.45; SD = ±5.12; Мe = 23.50. Methods: Valid and reliable psychodiagnostic instruments were used to perform a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis. The parameters of self-efficacy examined included self-efficacy in subject activity, self-efficacy in interpersonal communication, motivation for achieving success, and motivation for avoiding failure. Results. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (rxy), ten statistically significant bivariate correlations of aggressiveness characteristics with the parameters of self-efficacy were established (p ≤ .050; p ≤ .010). It was explained that the obtained regularities constitute a poly-determined construct of the complex nature of aggressiveness in the context of sporting activities. It was highlighted that it does not allow stating that self-efficacy is determined by athletes' aggressiveness. It was found that "direct physical aggressiveness" is the most dependent aggressiveness characteristic – four correlations. It was established that "level of impulsiveness" in sports competitions is the least controlled state and, consequently, the most dangerous one. It was found that groups with low levels of aggressiveness had a statistically significant advantage in all five pairs. Discussion and conclusions. The dual nature of aggressiveness in sports was revealed and constructive or destructive characteristics of the impact on sporting activities were explained. The knowledge of the specificity of athletes' aggressiveness was deepened. It was generalized that an athlete's aggressiveness is a highly complex psycho-emotional resource, that requires the formedness of a high level of self-regulation and the ability to manage one's psycho-emotional state, achieving optimal sports readiness. We recommend that the obtained empirical results should be implemented in educational-training process, tactical and psychological training for athletes.