A Comparative Study of Psychological Variables between State Hockey Players and District Hockey Players of Bilaspur District

Abstract

This comparative cross-sectional study examined differences in self-esteem and sport competition anxiety between 20 State Hockey Players and 20 district Player’s male hockey Players from Bilaspur district. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and anxiety using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT). Independent samples t-tests (unequal variances) were performed. State Hockey Players (n=20) showed significantly higher self-esteem (M = 29.49, SD = 2.88) than district Hockey Players (M = 27.20, SD = 2.90), t(38) = 2.50, p = 0.0169, State Hockey Players also reported higher competition anxiety (M = 19.89, SD = 3.28) than district Hockey Players (M = 16.87, SD = 4.45), t(35) = 2.44, p = 0.0198.Findings are discussed in light of developmental, experiential and performance-pressure explanations with practical coaching and psychological intervention recommendations.