Comparison of competitive anxiety and achievement motivation among 400 m and 800 m State-level runners

Abstract

This study investigated the differences in achievement motivation and competitive anxiety between 400 m and 800 m state-level runners in Madhya Pradesh, India. Sixty runners (30 from each event) aged 20-26 years participated in the study. The Achievement Motivation and Sport Competition Anxiety Inventories were administered to assess the runners' motivation and anxiety levels. The results showed no significant differences in achievement motivation (t = 0.6212, p = 0.5369) and competitive anxiety (t = 1.2755, p = 0.2072) between the two groups. These findings suggest that achievement motivation and competitive anxiety levels are similar among 400 m and 800 m runners and that other factors may influence these psychological variables. The study's results have implications for coaches, sports psychologists, and athletes seeking to optimize performance and well-being.