COMPETITIVE ANXIETY AMONG ELITE ATHLETES IN MANIPUR: AN ASSESSMENT OF ANXIETY LEVELS, GENDER DIFFERENCES, AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE SCAT
Keywords:
Competitive anxiety, SCAT, elite athletes, gender differences, sports psychology.Abstract
Competitive anxiety is a crucial psychological factor influencing athletic performance,
particularly among elite athletes. This study aimed to assess the internal consistency of the
Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), analyse anxiety levels among elite athletes in
Manipur, and examine gender differences in competitive anxiety. A total of 55 elite athletes
(aged 20–26 years) participated in the study, with anxiety levels assessed using the SCAT. The
findings revealed that 45.45% of athletes exhibited low anxiety, 38.18% had moderate anxiety,
and 16.36% experienced high anxiety. Additionally, female athletes reported significantly
higher anxiety levels than males (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.417). These results underscore the
importance of psychological training interventions tailored to gender-specific needs. Future
research should explore longitudinal anxiety trends, integrate physiological assessments, and
examine additional psychological constructs to enhance anxiety management strategies in
sports.
