Differences in Stress, Stress-Coping Behavior, and Quality of Life Based on the Performance of Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour Players

Abstract

Maintaining world-class performance, irrespective of the influence of various psychological factors, is the most important task for professional athletes. By recognizing and coping with profession-related stress, athletes can improve their performance and maintain their quality of life as a professional. This study compared and analyzed the stress, stress-coping behavior, and quality of life of world-class athletes based on their objective performance. Data were collected from 234 professional golfers active on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour and Dream Tour. Using performance as an independent variable, one-way multivariate variance analysis was performed for comparative analysis. The results indicated that professional tour golf players showed statistically significant differences in (a) stress from fellow players, (b) performance-related stress, and (c) passive stress-coping behavioral factors. Groups with higher levels of performance experienced more stress than their counterparts and coped with stress through a more passive attitude. Importantly, efforts to improve performance under fierce competition and lead a better life are essential for maintaining psychological stability.

The Psychology of Golf Performance under Pressure

“…Within the sport of golf, there is limited data on risk factors or determinates that provides information on correlation or causation of mental health symptoms or disorders. For instance, a recent study from Korea conducted quantitative evaluations of stress and sources of stress with players on the Ladies Professional Golf Association of Korea Tour (KLPGA) and the Dream Tour (a minor development tour for the KLPGA) (Kim & Choi, 2022). It showed that players have experienced stress due to competition with other players, financial concerns, difficulties with their families, relationships with their coaches, and their performances in competition.…”

“…Although previous research has shown the importance of active coping strategies with stress, such as those rooted in problem solving to address and resolve stressful situations (Folkman & Moskowitz, 2004), most professional players in the study engaged in passive coping strategies, such as those centred around avoidance, denial, or minimization of negative effects of stress (Penley, Tomaka, & Wiebe, 2002). Kim and Choi (2022) stated this may have been due to the nature of KLPGA, where players believed that passive coping strategies allowed them to maintain a positive image given their popularity with fans, frequent communication through social media, and financial sponsorship deals. Kim and Choi (20222) confirmed that professional players might be at risk of emotional exhaustion and would benefit from active coping strategies of stress (e.g., take steps to change stressful situations, examine a stressful situation from multiple perspectives), improved social support from family and friends, mental health skills training, and continuous care from a psychotherapist.…”

Unlocking Happiness: Assessing the Monetary Value of Leisure Activities on Subjective Well-Being

“…For instance, a substantial body of research has consistently demonstrated the profoundly positive impacts of physical activities on both mental and physical health, ultimately contributing to enhanced well-being. Studies conducted by Bum, Yang, Choi [19], Hartman et al [20], Kim and Choi [21], Sato, Inoue, Du, and Funk [22], and Van Cauwenberg et al [23] have provided compelling evidence in support of the beneficial effects of physical engagement, including sport participation, physical exercise, and even the simple act of watching sports. Similarly, cultural activities have emerged as influential components that not only enhance psychological well-being, but also foster social cohesion.…”