Níveis de ansiedade em atlestas adultas de handebol feminino no período de competição

Abstract

Detecting the relationship of anxiety with athletic performance is an important way to help athletes diagnose and control emotions. The aim of the present study was to identify the classification of anxiety levels of female handball athletes. The research was descriptive with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 20 female handball athletes, aged 18 to 33 years (22.8 ± 4.1 years) from the University Center of João Pessoa. The variables investigated were the trait-competitive anxiety levels, according to first-string and second-string, age and time of sports practice, being measured from the SCAT (Sport Competition Anxiety Test) questionnaire, with 15 questions. The technique for sample selection was non-probabilistic for convenience. The inclusion criteria were: to be over 18 years of age, to have at least 6 months of handball practice, to be female and to train at least 3 times a week. The exclusion criteria were to be over 50 years of age and to be a beginner in sports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical method through the analysis of mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum and absolute and relative frequency distributions. To do so, the Excel worksheet was used. Results: Sports practice time averaged 10.4 ± 5.6 years, ranging from 6 to 25 years. The general classification of anxiety levels showed the following frequency in the athletes: 86.8% mean anxiety level and 18.2% low level. When comparing first-string and second-string it was evidenced that, all second string (100%) and 75.0% of the first-string present average anxiety; and, 25.0% of the first-string had low anxiety. Conclusion: In relation to anxiety, there were no elevated levels in the athletes, even though it was noticed that a majority were classified in the middle level, and the first-string had better indices in relation to the second-string.