A pilot study on emotional intelligence & its impact on pre-competitive anxiety: How does it operate in the non-WEIRD Indian sport context?

Abstract

This pilot study examined the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and precompetitive anxiety in a multiple sport sample in a non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) Indian context. We hypothesized a divergent operation of variables in the Indian context, which is a contrast to Eurocentric populations represented in literature. Participants were 150 full time Indian athletes across five sports (tennis, badminton, cricket, football, basketball). Competitive state anxiety inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and Emotional intelligence scale (EIS) were administered pre sport competition using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicates a significant negative correlation between EI and competitive anxiety. Mann-Whitney U test revealed no statistical differences between genders in both variables across sport types. Self-confidence had a positive relationship with dimensions of EI. This pilot study holds significance in providing basic understanding of the operational dynamics of the variables in an Indian context where no prior literature exists. Results diverge from established patterns in WEIRD, Eurocentric countries. Results are inferred and their contribution of cross-cultural insight adding value to the predominantly Eurocentric literature of sport psychology is discussed using the lends of cultural sport psychology.