Mechanism of comparison in the structure of self-efficacy in junior athletes’ sporting activities
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Date
2024-06Author
RAIEVSKA, YANA
SAVCHUK, OLEKSANDR
HULIAS, INESA
KHOKHLOV, ARTEM
HOIAN, IHOR
SYNIAKOVA, VIRA
SOROKA, OLENA
LUKASHOV, OLEKSANDR
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This theoretical and empirical research examines the mechanism of comparison in the framework of self-efficacy
in junior athletes’ sporting activities. The study included junior athletes of varying levels of qualification,
participants in International, European, World, and Olympic sports competitions, aged 15 to 19 years. The
sample parameters were as follows: n = 114; М = 17.91 years; SD = ±3.43; Me = 18.00. Methods. Valid
methods widely used in sports psychology were employed to measure dependent variables such as comparison of
capacities (CC) and comparison of opinions (CO), and independent variables including motivation for achieving
success (MAS), motivation for avoiding failure (MAF), self-efficacy of subject activity (SSA), and self-efficacy
of interpersonal communication (SIC). Statistically significant parameters were identified based on the
comparison strategy. Results. A correlation matrix and a correlation pleiad of the investigated variables were
created. We established seven statistically significant correlations of the parameters of comparison with
independent variables (p≤.050; p≤.010) that testifies to a regular correlation of the psychological mechanism of
comparison with the resultant parameters of educational-training, competitive and rehabilitative types of junior
athletes’ sporting activities. It was found that the parameter “comparison of capacities” has a considerable impact
on content subject activity that, in turn, can cause a probable danger. It was explained that critical ascending
comparison of capacities can depress junior athletes and form wrong notions that a desirable result is
unachievable since such comparisons have a direct impact on sporting subject activities. It was found that the
parameter “comparison of opinions” is the most dependent parameter having a considerable impact on the quality
of communication and motivational intentions to win. Discussion and conclusions. It was substantiated that the
parameters of comparison of capacities and comparison of thoughts act as the psychological mechanism of
impact on the resultant parameters of educational-training, competitive and rehabilitative areas of junior athletes’
sporting activities. Comparison can be a catalyst of juniors’ intentions of motivation and self-efficacy.
Considering the obtained results in the educational-training process of sports schools for children and youth,
junior academies of professional clubs, analytical departments of sports federations and coaching staffs can
increase sports psychological literacy of the subjects of sporting activities and create a competitive advantage
over rivals.