Analyzing the relationship between self-efficacy and impulsivity in amateur soccer referees

Abstract

Soccer referees (SRs) are exposed to stressful situations during the competition that can affect decision-making, could be affected by impulsivity during the competition and therefore, require optimal psychological skills. The objective of this study was to ascertain and analyze the relationship between levels of impulsivity and self-efficacy of amateur SRs in the senior category. A total of 21 Spanish SRs participated in this study (age 23.57 ± 2.40 years and 7.81 ± 2.58 seasons of experience). Self-efficacy data were collected with the REFS questionnaire between 48 and 72 h before the competition. The impulsivity data were collected using the UPPS-P questionnaire 60 min before the start the competition. The results indicate that SRs with higher self-efficacy have lower levels of impulsivity, specifically in the dimensions of negative urgency (p < 0.01), positive urgency (p < 0.05), lack of premeditation (p < 0.001), and lack of perseverance (p < 0.001), as well as lower global impulsivity (p < 0.01). However, the SRs with the highest self-efficacy also obtained higher levels in the sensation seeking dimension (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the main finding of this study showed that self-efficacy is influenced by SR impulsivity prior to competition. These novel facts allow us to discover aspects related to decision-making in refereeing that can be trained to reach optimal levels.

Cause-Effect: The Relationship between Role and Experience with Psychological and Physical Responses in the Competition Context in Soccer Referees

“…We found significant differences both at baseline in SE variables and lack of perseverance (p < 0.05; d > 1.2), as well as in the pre-competitive moment in SE and SA variables (p < 0.05; d > 0.8). Considering self-efficacy, the attending SRs showed higher SA at the precompetitive time, less perseverance at baseline, and lower SE at both times (López et al, 2022). In addition, the impulsivity dimensions of positive and negative urgency were correlated with the number of red cards shown.…”

“…; Coudevylle et al, 2011 ; Hammermeister and Burton, 2001 ), and cognitive variables (e.g., attention, executive functions, vigilance, impulsivity, etc. ; Castillo-Rodríguez et al, 2018 ; López-Aguilar et al, 2022 ; López-Aguilar et al, 2021a ), along with their incidence in PP, have clarified how their strength or weight could guarantee athletes’ success (Muñoz-Arjona and Castillo-Rodríguez, 2020). Impulsivity is a construct that presents a multidimensional character, associated with sensation seeking and novelty (Zuckerman et al, 1993), pursuing small and immediate rewards (Cherek and Lane, 1999; López-Aguilar et al, 2021 b).…”

Mindfulness, social evaluation anxiety, and self-regulation: exploring their association on impulsive behavior among athletes

“…In the sports environment, impulsive reactions are often associated with negative emotions such as fear of failure, anger, aggressive behavior, lack of focus, anxiety, and even self-destructive tendencies ( 3 ). Impulsivity ranks among the prevalent psychological elements within the contemporary sports landscape, impacting not only athletes but also referees ( 4 ). Athletes frequently make impulsive decisions during competitions due to provocations from competitors, pressure from the audience, and referees, resulting in unconsidered actions, major technical errors, disrupted tactics, and even negative behaviors like forfeiting matches or engaging in aggressive acts in response to provocation ( 5 ).…”