The present study aims to analyze the psychological factors influencing athletes' sporting performance, focusing on the interaction between motivation, competitive anxiety, self-confidence, and toughness. To achieve this, a quantitative approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires distributed among student-athletes from various sports majors at the college level. The findings revealed a clear and direct relationship between self-confidence and intrinsic motivation, both of which were linked to improved sporting performance. In contrast, it was found that high levels of competitive anxiety negatively impact performance, manifesting in issues such as lack of concentration, poor decision-making, and increased body tension. Furthermore, the research identified psychological resilience as a crucial factor that serves to buffer against the adverse effects of stress and anxiety during competitions. Notably, more resilient athletes demonstrated greater fortitude in recovering from failures and maintaining composure under pressure. These results underscore the importance of adopting a balanced approach to both psychological and physical development during training. Consequently, the study emphasizes the value of incorporating mental conditioning as an integral component of sports training programs. It recommends that coaches, educators, and sports psychologists implement targeted interventions focused on fostering motivation, self-confidence, resilience, and effective anxiety management, ultimately assisting athletes in reaching their maximum potential and performing consistently at a high level.
Gomez et al. (2025) studied this question.