Seasonal dynamics of stress perception and coping strategies among Chinese elite Basketball referees

This study investigated the seasonal fluctuations in stress perception and coping strategies among Chinese elite basketball referees. A total of 65 referees (14 females and 51 males) from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Women' s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) participated in a longitudinal study across the 2023-2024 season. Stress perception and coping strategies were assessed using adapted versions of the Sources of Acute Stress Scale for Sports Officials (13 items) and the Referees' Coping Styles Scale (9 items). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant temporal and group differences. CBA referees reported higher levels of interpersonal conflict (IC) and rule execution (RE) than WCBA referees, with stress intensity following an up - down - up pattern, while WCBA referees showed a steady decline in rule execution (RE). In terms of coping, CBA referees shifted from avoidance-cognitive (AC) to approach-oriented (AO) strategies over the season, whereas WCBA referees showed a continuous decline in approach-oriented (AO) coping. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of referees' stress and coping responses across the season and underscore the need for phase-specific psychological support tailored to competition level and league context.