Analysis of Perceived Competitive Stress and of Self-regulation Techniques of Brazilian Paralympic Athletes

Introduction

Several studies showed that high level of stress and anxiety before and during competition have a negative effect on athletic performance [1, 2]. For this motive athletes have to learn to perceive and control their stress levels during competition, by applying self-regulation techniques [2, 3, 4].

Methods

The purpose of this study was to analyze competitive stress factors and the self-regulation techniques applied by 64 Brazilian athletes from 10 different sports, considering physical, mental and visual disabilities. The stress factors were measured by the questionnaire of psychological stress, adapted to Paralympics (TEP-PO) [1, 3], and the self-regulation techniques were assessed by structured interviews.

Results and Discussion

The most frequently perceived stress factors were inappropriate physical and mental preparation, sleeping disturbance, insufficient material and equipment, and interpersonal conflicts. The comparison of male and female athletes showed significant differences in the following items: emotional problems, inappropriate physical and mental conditions and critical comments of coach and teammates during competition. The comparison of the athletes with different disabilities showed that athletes with visual impairment demonstrated higher levels of perceived stress than the athletes with mental and physical disabilities. In general, the most frequently applied self-regulation techniques were positive self-motivation, relaxation, concentration and visualization techniques, pain control strategies and mental routines for competition.

Conclusions

It is recommended to develop more specific psychological training programs, considering the different disabilities and the concept of self-coaching [4]. Blind athletes need a special psychological and emotional support. The psychological training program has to be an integrated part of the long term preparation of athletes.

References

1. Samulski, D. & Noce, F. (2002). Perfil psicológico de atletas paraolímpicos brasileiros. Brazilian Journal of Sport Medicine, 8, 4, 157-166.
2. Samulski, D. (2003). Psychological support for paralympians. In: IOC Medical Commission (Ed.). Abstract of the VII IOC Olympic World Congress on Sport Sciences. Athens, 7-11th October, 2003. Behavioral Section, 3A.
3. Samulski, D. (2001). Psychological preparation of the Brazilian Paralympic athletes. In: ECSS - Abstract of the 6th Annual Congress of the ECSS. Cologne, 24-28th  July, 2001, 168.
4. Bradbury, T. (2001). Athletes doing it for themselves: self-coaching guidelines for elite athletes. In: Doll-Toepper; Kroener, M.; Sonnenschein, W. (Eds.). New horizons in sport for athletes with disability. Oxford: Meyer & Meyer Sport, 81-95.