How do psychological characteristics influence the sports performance of men and women? A study in school sports

This study evaluates the psychological characteristics in sports performance according to gender and sports modality practiced in school sports. In addition, the possible correlations between the variables of the questionnaire of Psychological Characteristics related to Sports Performance (CPRD) (Gimeno, Buceta & Perez-Llantada, 1994) are determined. in men and in women. The research follows a quantitative methodology of descriptive cut, through the survey. The sample size is 816 young athletes between 12 and 18 years old (411 men and 405 women), who practice different individual and collective sports in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha. The results show statistically significant differences in the psychological characteristics of stress control and influence of performance evaluation, in which men obtain higher scores than women. Besides, the results show, in relation to the psychological characteristics of the men and the practiced sport modality, that there are statistically significant differences in the dimensions Mental Ability and Team Cohesion. Finding these differences of Mental Ability between men who practice Football (lower scores) and those who practice Swimming and Athletics (higher scores). Regarding the differences in Team Cohesion, they are among male sportsmen who practice Football (lower scores) and those who practice Volleyball (higher scores). However, the results show, that there are no statistically significant differences between the sports modality practiced and the female gender. Prevention measures are needed by coaches / educators, parents and young athletes, in order to strengthen their levels of self-confidence, and simultaneously reduce stress levels generated in sport at school age, to ensure an improvement in sports performance.