The Relationship Between Stress and Coping in Table Tennis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cognitive competitive anxiety intensity and coping strategies in table tennis players. One hundred and two (102) US competitive table tennis players of age range from 10 to 60 filled out a Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R, Cox et al., 2003) at least 30 minutes before the start of their tournament match and a Modified Cope questionnaire (MCOPE; Crocker and Graham, 1995) 15 minutes after they finished their match. Our study found significant differences between low and high cognitive competitive anxiety groups with regard to the use of coping strategies. The high cognitive competitive anxiety intensity group used significantly more behavioral disengagement (avoidance coping, p ≤ 0.05), denial coping strategies (emotion focused coping, p ≤ 0.01) compared to the low cognitive anxiety intensity group. Our results suggest that there is some connection between anxiety intensity and coping strategies. If the cognitive anxiety intensity (for example, intensity from worrying) is very high, an athlete might be more likely to use avoidance coping (such as behavioral disengagement) and emotion-focused coping (such as denial and venting of emotions) compared to athletes who have low cognitive competitive anxiety. Furthermore, gender differences in cognitive anxiety and direction were found. Confidence management techniques such as positive self-talk, breathing techniques and visualization should be taught to athletes to assist them in coping with their competitive anxiety better and to enhance their performance.

Anxiety Severity Levels and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic among People Aged 15 Years and Above in Gonabad, Iran

“…In contrast, emotional-based coping, or avoidant coping is the product of believing in uncontrollable stressors and compulsion to endure stressful events. 23,24 We also found that people with higher educational levels and those who performed physical exercise tended to use problem-based coping instead of other forms of coping strategies. These findings support the findings of previous researches.…”

Analysis of contextual-related variables on serve and receiving performances in elite men’s and women’s table tennis players

“…increased confidence and momentum) in table tennis. In this respect, Kurimay, Pope-Rhodius, and Kondric (2017) found that players use avoidance coping (e.g. behavioural disengagement) and emotional-focused coping (e.g.…”

“…self-confidence management techniques such as positive self-talk, slow-paced breathing or visualization in order to support and assist the players during phases of increased pressure and anxiety (i.e. such as the 6th and 7th set or after an opponent's comeback in the score) (Kurimay et al, 2017). Moreover, technical-tactical training interventions should take the above mentioned suggestions into account when preparing for competition.…”

Elite Athletes’ In-event Competitive Anxiety Responses and Psychological Skills Usage under Differing Conditions

“…Our findings enhance theoretical understanding of anxiety perceived as debilitative by elite table tennis players in some critical situations. These players were unable to deploy effective psychological skills to combat their emotional experiences ( Jones, 1995 ; Biddle and Ntoumanis, 2000 ). Therefore, elite players’ debilitative anxiety was related to their inability to effectively regulate these negative emotions.…”