Gauging stress levels: A mental health assessment (PSS) of male athletes

Abstract

Using a quantitative, descriptive survey approach, this study sought to determine the perceived stress levels of male athletes at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE). Participants' stress levels during the previous month were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which was created by Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein (1983). 35 male athletes completed the 10-item PSS, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Results indicated that 79% of participants experienced moderate stress, 9% reported high stress, and only 12% fell into the low-stress category. Items Q3 (feeling nervous or stressed), Q9 (feeling angered by uncontrollable events), and Q1 (feeling upset by unexpected events) recorded the highest mean scores, highlighting key stress triggers. Conversely, positively worded and reverse-scored items like Q4 and Q7 showed lower mean values, suggesting reduced coping efficacy. Descriptive statistics further revealed moderate psychological skill competency among the athletes, with confidence and control appearing stronger than coping and emotional regulation. These findings underscore the need for targeted stress management and psychological skill training interventions to enhance well-being and performance among male athletes.