Time Variation in Psychological Stress Responses Among Athletes

Abstract

Background: Athletes’ psycho/physiological stress problems have become the critical issues in the world. The purpose of this study was to examine time variation in psychological stress responses. Methods: The participants in this study were 372 athletes. They were given a questionnaire on Athletes Stress Response Scale (Amemiya, 2013). To examine time variation in psychological stress responses, a cross-lagged effects model and synchronous effects model were examined between times 1 and 2 to monitor stress response progression. Findings: The results of the cross-lagged effects model and synchronous effects model had good fit indices and showed that athletes’ stress responses in Time1 significantly affected stress responses in Time2. Moreover, stress responses in Time 2 significantly interacted with the stress responses cycle in Time 2. Discussion: The results of this study showed athletes’ stress responses progress and change through time variation. These findings suggested that athletes who have psychological problems need professional psychological support not only improve their performance but also improve their mental health as soon as possible.