Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey

Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey Xin Zheng, Zhao Weike, Liu Yuhang This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Purpose This study aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety in adolescent amateur sprinters and explore potential strategies to alleviate these anxieties. Methods A survey was conducted among 270 athletes from 16 sports schools and track and field clubs, resulting in a final sample of 124 valid questionnaires. Grey correlation analysis and Ridge regression analysis and other methodologies were employed to analyze the influencing factors of pre-competition anxiety. Results The findings reveal that the competition environment, individual self-efficacy, and excessive focus on outcomes are the primary factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters. Conclusions This research provides tailored psychological intervention strategies for coaches, enabling them to assist athletes in regulating their mental state and ultimately enhancing their competitive performance. Additionally, the study serves as a valuable reference for future research, significantly contributing to the advancement of mental health among young sprinters. sprinting teenagers anxiety grey correlation analysis Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1 Introduction printing is a high-intensity athletic discipline that necessitates exceptional explosive power and unwavering focus, demanding sprinters to surmount an array of mental and physical obstacles in order to achieve peak performance during competitions. However, pre-competition anxiety remains a prevalent challenge encountered by athletes across various sports. Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of anxiety reactions among athletes prior to competing. A study employed the Cite Space visual analysis method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of competition anxiety research in China through 2023, encompassing a search of 629 papers[ 24 ]. Including track and field, basketball, martial arts, football, table tennis, and other sports, as well as professional athletes, college athletes, and other groups. This demonstrates the prevalence of pre-competition anxiety among athletes from various sports disciplines. Pre-competition anxiety refers to the emotional state characterized by tension, restlessness[ 17 ], and apprehension prior to a competition. Athletes may experience stress and nervousness due to the pressure associated with competing and performing. The manifestation of pre-competition anxiety can detrimentally impact an athlete's physical well-being and competitive performance. Various factors contribute to pre-competition anxiety, including individual personality traits, external pressure and expectations, inadequate preparation, among others. A survey investigating competition anxiety and mental health among college athletes reveals a close association between competition characteristics, gender, region, personality traits, expectation levels, mood states, and emotions with competition anxiety[ 6 ]. Furthermore, individual differences also play a significant role in the experience of anxiety; accordingly, athletes' on-field performance varies depending on the specific type of anxiety they encounter[ 7 ]. Given that adolescents lack sufficient experience in competitive settings during their growth and development stages, this study posits that the primary external factors leading to pre-competition anxiety may differ from those affecting adult athletes . In order to investigate the main external factors influencing pre-competition anxiety, grey relational analysis is employed to analyze the correlation between each external factor and this psychological state. Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) is a statistical method used for multi-factor analysis, which assesses the relative influence of an item within a grey system affected by other factors[ 13 ]. Through questionnaire surveys, this study examines the perceived causes of pre-competition anxiety among amateur young sprinters aged 16–18 and utilizes gray correlation analysis to determine the degree of correlation for each factor. Since this study is a cross-sectional study, in order to avoid possible multicollinearity problems in the process of data statistics during the questionnaire survey, this study decided to use ridge regression analysis to make statistics on the relationship between dependent variables and independent variables. This research aims to comprehend common phenomena in the pre-competition psychological activities of teenage amateur athletes, providing coaches with insights on assisting athletes in adjusting their mental states before competitions. Additionally, it can aid coaches in timely adjustments to training plans prior to competitions and help athletes self-regulate and adjust their mental states during competitions, enabling them to proactively cope with competition-related pressure. 2 Method The present study was deemed exempt from full ethics review by the Ethics Committee, as it met the criteria for exemption according to the institutional regulations. However, all participants were clearly informed of the study objectives, procedures, and provided their voluntary consent to participate. The researchers adhered strictly to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. 2.1 Subjects This study employs a stratified sampling method to conduct a questionnaire. To ensure the representativeness of the samples, these 16 sports schools or clubs were located in different cities with a size exceeding 100 individuals，and 10% of the students from each school were taken as a sample. Furthermore，each school takes a random sample from a random number table to ensure that each athlete has an equal chance of being selected. A total of 270 sprinters participating in amateur training from 16 sports training schools or track and field clubs were surveyed. After obtaining consent from the athletes, they were asked about their anxiety levels and the primary factors contributing to their pre-competition anxiety. 2.2 Questionnaire survey This study employs the questionnaire survey method to construct a structured questionnaire. The content of the questionnaire is divided into two sections. The first section consists of single-choice questions, specifically targeting amateur athletes aged 16-18 who participate in sprint events (including 100m, 200m, and 400m). These athletes should have at least one competition experience and possess amateur training experience ranging from one to three years (inclusive), while also exhibiting pre-competition anxiety. The second section draws upon relevant research on athletes' pre-competition anxiety conducted by a research, in 2021, as well as expert interviews. In this section, potential factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters will be listed in an interview table for experts to evaluate their relevance using a scoring system ranging from 1 to 5 points. Factors with expert scores ≥3 points will be selected and their average values calculated before being included in the second part of the questionnaire (as presented in Table 2-1). The second part of the questionnaire (Table 2-1) utilized Richter's five-level scale (not at all consistent, somewhat consistent, somewhat consistent, very consistent, very consistent) to formulate relevant questions and conduct correlation statistics in order to explore the four dimensions that contribute to pre-competition anxiety among amateur sprinters. Descriptive statistics were employed for analyzing the questionnaire results, while Pearson correlation index was used to assess the linear relationship between each item and the factors. Cronbach's α coefficient was applied for testing questionnaire reliability, while KMO and Bartlett tests were used for assessing validity. Table 2-1 Summary of questionnaire status Dimensions Ratings M±SD Titles Pearson Competition environment impact 3.50±1.05 A1 You feel anxious about the audience's gaze or Shouting 0.957** A2 The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious 0.959** A3 Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety 0.970** A4 Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels 0.936** Low self-efficacy 3.17±0.99 B1 Every time you compete, you don't think you're going to have a good result 0.990** B2 When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing 0.981** B3 If you don't have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious 0.978** B4 Every time you get a good grade, you always think you're just lucky 0.985** Over-emphasis on results orientation 3.84±0.76 C1 You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game 0.971** C2 You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress 0.922** C3 The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you 0.957** C4 Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition 0.978** Influence of competitive opponent 3.00±1.10 D1 You often attribute a loss to the opponent's influence 0.980** D2 You will feel anxious before the game because of your opponent 0.980** D3 You prefer matches with fewer opponents 0.966** D4 You don't always do well against the best 0.818** *p<0.05 ** p<0.01 2.3 Grey relational degree analysis The grey correlation analysis model is employed in this paper to investigate and forecast the degree of correlation among multiple influencing factors at the data level. As a branch of grey system theory, the fundamental concept of grey correlation analysis lies in quantifying the correlation between factors based on their similarity or variation in developmental trends[13]. This approach primarily focuses on capturing dynamic geometric patterns within time series fluctuations and assesses the degree of correlation between different factors by comparing their geometric similarities. Unlike other methods, it does not necessitate specific distribution assumptions for data and effectively analyzes nonlinear relationships as well. Its application in sports can greatly assist coaches and athletes in optimizing training plans to enhance competitive abilities. By examining various dimensions' correlations with pre-competition anxiety and ranking them accordingly, we explore the nonlinear relationship between diverse factors and pre-competition anxiety among amateur young sprinters. The data is initialized and dimensionless, and substituted into the formula x_i(k)' = x_i(k)/x_i(1) i = 1,... ,m, k = 1,... n, resolution coefficient ρ∈(0, ∞) is taken as 0.5, five kinds of dimensions are taken as feature sequence variables, and total average anxiety index： is taken as parent sequence variable. Substituting into formula: To solve the grey relation value between the parent sequence and the feature sequence, calculate the grey relation degree value, and after sorting the grey relation value, draw a conclusion, which can help coaches and athletes to make reasonable attribution and timely adjustment before the competition. However, gray correlation analysis can only reveal the degree of correlation between factors, but can not determine causality. The level of correlation only reflects the relative closeness between factors, and does not necessarily mean that a factor has a direct or major impact on pre-competition anxiety. 2.4 Ridge Regression Analysis This study using Ridge regression analysis quantify the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, specifically examining the relationship between the factors and the anxiety level. Ridge regression analysis serves as a methodological tool to address collinearity among independent variables in linear regression models. By introducing a k identity matrix, the regression coefficients can be accurately estimated. The selection criterion for the k value was based on the minimum value at which the standardized regression coefficients of each independent variable stabilized, with lower k values indicating reduced deviations. Ridge regression analysis is employed to address multicollinearity issues among the predictor variables. The ridge regression model is defined as: where is the regularization parameter , is the matrix of predictor variables, is the response variable, is the identity matrix. In this study, ridge regression analysis was used to assess the impact of each anxiety factor on the overall anxiety level of the athletes. The selection of the regularization parameter was based on cross-validation to ensure the model’s optimal performance. 3 Results 3.1 Statistics of questionnaire results 3.1.1 Descriptive statistics of questionnaire results A total of 270 young sprinters participated in this study by completing online questionnaires regarding their sources of pre-competition anxiety. Questionnaires with less than 1 year of training experience, no competition experience, incomplete answers, incorrect answers to verification questions or confusion were excluded. After excluding invalid responses that did not meet criteria, a total of 124 valid questionnaires were obtained from participants including 92 male athletes and 32 female athletes, the majority of the respondents were male (74.2%),with an average age of 17.04 years and an average training period of 2.02 years. The mean score for overall anxiety level was found to be 2.64 (Table 3-1). Table3-1 Basic information about survey respondents Name Value (mean ± standard deviation) Male athletes 92 Female athletes 32 Average age 17.04±0.83 Average years of training 2.02±0.86 Total mean of anxiety levels 2.64±1.18 In this study, a correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between the four dimensions and their respective questionnaire items. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the four dimensional factors and the items within each dimension (p < 0.01), as outlined in Table 2-2. Upon analyzing the questionnaire responses in Table 3-2, it was observed that the findings were consistent. Specifically, the overall pre-competition anxiety index for amateur adolescent athletes averaged 2.64, suggesting a moderate level of anxiety, falling between minimal and moderate anxiety. Among the various factors, the one with the highest score was the over-emphasis on results-oriented, with an average of 3.81, indicating an anxiety level ranging from moderate to severe. Conversely, the competition environment factor received the lowest score, averaging 1.98, suggesting that athletes' anxiety levels related to this factor were between minimal and slight anxiety. Table 3-2 Statistical table of basic information of questionnaire results Names Sample Size Missing values 95%CI M±SD Competition environment impact 124 0 1.764 1.98±1.19 Low self-efficacy 2.382 2.64±1.45 Over-emphasis on results orientation 3.613 3.81±1.09 Influence of competitive opponent 1.932 2.15±1.22 Total mean of anxiety levels 2.432 2.64±1.18 In this study, a T-test was conducted to examine the potential impact of gender on the research outcomes (Table 3-3). The findings revealed that, across all four factors, there was no significant difference between samples of different genders (p>0.05). This indicates a consistency in the responses regardless of gender. Furthermore, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was performed on the training years (Table 3-4). Given the controlled conditions of data collection in this study, the results showed no significant difference between training years and any of the dimensions (p>0.05). This suggests a consistency in the data, thereby negating the need for further post-hoc testing. Table 3-3 Results of gender and influencing factors analysis Gender (M±SD) t p Female（n=32） Male（n=92） Competition environment impact 2.34±1.23 2.08±1.20 1.08 0.28 Low self-efficacy 3.78±1.30 3.81±1.01 -0.12 0.90 Over-emphasis on results orientation 2.87±1.46 2.56±1.44 1.04 0.30 Influence of competitive opponent 2.20±1.27 1.90±1.16 1.22 0.22 *p<0.05 ** p<0.01 Table 3-4 Analysis results of training years and influencing factors Training years（M±SD） F p 1.0（n=44） 2.0（n=4） 3.0（n=46） Competition environment impact 2.01±1.23 1.88±1.14 2.47±1.20 2.86 0.06 Low self-efficacy 3.64±1.08 3.77±0.84 3.99±1.24 1.21 0.30 Over-emphasis on results orientation 2.37±1.47 2.43±1.38 3.04±1.41 2.99 0.05 Influence of competitive opponent 1.85±1.18 1.71±1.10 2.29±1.23 2.84 0.06 *p<0.05 ** p<0.01 3.2 Questionnaire reliability and validity test 3.2.1 Questionnaire reliability analysis In this paper, the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient. Specifically, the second section of the questionnaire was analyzed as an independent variable (X) to evaluate the rationality of the questions and determine if there was any misinterpretation by the respondents. Cronbach's α coefficient serves as a measure of internal consistency, where values above 0.9 indicate excellent reliability, 0.8-0.9 indicate good reliability, 0.7-0.8 indicate acceptable reliability, 0.6-0.7 indicate normal reliability, 0.5-0.6 indicate suboptimal reliability, and values below 0.5 suggest the need for reformatting the questionnaire. In the present study, a total of 16 questions were analyzed for reliability using Cronbach's α coefficient. The research findings revealed that the Cronbach's α coefficient for the audience and environmental impact dimension was 0.979 (Table 3-5). For the dimension of low self-efficacy, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.987; for over-emphasis on outcome orientation, it was 0.965; and for the influence of competitors, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.952. The overall reliability of the questionnaire, represented by the Cronbach's α coefficient, was 0.966. These results indicate that all reliability coefficient values of the questionnaire exceeded 0.8, demonstrating good reliability across all dimensions of the questionnaire. Table 3-5 Results of questionnaire reliability test Dimensions Titles Cronbach's α Overall Cronbach's α Competition environment impact A1 You feel anxious about the audience's gaze or Shouting 0.979 0.966 A2 The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious A3 Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety A4 Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels Low self-efficacy B1 Every time you compete, you don't think you're going to have a good result 0.987 B2 When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing B3 If you don't have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious B4 Every time you get a good grade, you always think you're just lucky Over-emphasis on results orientation C1 You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game 0.965 C2 You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress C3 The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you C4 Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition Influence of competitive opponent D1 You often attribute a loss to the opponent's influence 0.952 D2 You will feel anxious before the game because of your opponent D3 You prefer matches with fewer opponents D4 You don't always do well against the best 3.2.2 Questionnaire validity test In this study, the validity of the questionnaire was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test, as presented in Table 3-6. The test involved 16 question items organized within four distinct dimensions, serving as variables. The resulting KMO value was 0.920, exceeding the threshold of 0.8. This indicates that the research data is highly suitable for information extraction and possesses a sufficient degree of correlation among the question item variables, fulfilling the prerequisites for factor analysis. The analysis of the item-factor relationship revealed that the variance explanation rates of the four factors are 34.085%, 33.010%, 27.976%, and 1.573%, respectively. Following rotation, the cumulative variance explanation rate reached 96.644%, exceeding the benchmark of 50%. This suggests that the information content of the research items can be effectively extracted. However, the communality values for factor 4 were all below 0.4, with a variance explanation rate of 1.573%. This significant deviation from the expected relationship among the research items led to the exclusion of factor 4 from further analysis. Conversely, the relationships between factors 1, 2, and 3 aligned with the expected patterns and will be included in the subsequent analyses. The results of the Bartlett's test of sphericity indicated a significant P value of 0.000, thereby rejecting the null hypothesis and confirming the presence of correlation among the variables. This validates the effectiveness of the factor analysis and its fit to the data. Table 3-6 Validity test results Name Factor Load factor Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Factor 4 0.918 0.515 0.523 0.106 0.420 0.515 0.606 0.019 0.423 0.823 0.417 0.011 0.557 0.515 0.612 -0.142 KMO 0.920 Bartlett 4792.852 P 0.000*** *p<0.05 ** p<0.01 3.3 Results of regression analysis The linear regression analysis conducted on the three factors of the questionnaire and the total anxiety index revealed that the variance inflation factor (VIF) of the low self-efficacy factor stood at 7.4, exceeding the threshold of 5, suggesting potential collinearity issues within the data. Consequently, ridge regression analysis was employed as a solution. This analysis aimed to quantify the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, specifically examining the relationship between the three factors and the total anxiety level. Ridge regression analysis serves as a methodological tool to address collinearity among independent variables in linear regression models. By introducing a k identity matrix, the regression coefficients can be accurately estimated. Prior to the analysis, the optimal k value was determined through the examination of the ridge trace plot (Figure 3-1). The selection criterion for the k value was based on the minimum value at which the standardized regression coefficients of each independent variable stabilized, with lower k values indicating reduced deviations. In this study, low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and over-emphasis on outcome orientation were designated as independent variables, while the total anxiety level served as the dependent variable for ridge regression analysis. The resulting ridge trace plot was evaluated based on the criterion of VIF ≤ 10, with preference given to smaller k values. Ultimately, a k value of 0.01 was chosen. The model fitting outcomes are presented in Table 3-7. The table indicates that Ridge regression analysis was performed with the three factors as independent variables and the total anxiety level as the dependent variable. The model's R-squared value of 0.998 suggests that low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and over-emphasis on outcome orientation account for 99.85% of the variation in the total anxiety level, indicating a high degree of fit. However, the possibility of overfitting cannot be discounted. To assess the significance of the model, a Ridge regression ANOVA test (F test) was conducted. As evident from Table 3-7, the model successfully passes the F test (F=25985.161, p=0.000 < 0.05), indicating its meaningfulness. This suggests that a low level of self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and overemphasis on at least one of the results orientations have a significant impact on the total anxiety level. The formula for the model is as follows: Overall Anxiety Level = 0.009 + 0.320 * Low Self-Efficacy + 0.411 * Competition Environment Impact + 0.257 * Overemphasis on Results Orientation. Figure 3-1 Ridge trace map The regression coefficient for low self-efficacy is 0.320 (t=36.112, p<0.01), indicating a significant positive impact on the overall mean value of pre-competition anxiety. This indicates that athletes with lower self-efficacy tend to experience higher levels of pre-competition anxiety. This result underscores the significance of enhancing athletes' self-efficacy. According to research result, by strengthening athletes' confidence in their abilities, anxiety can be effectively mitigated, leading to improvements in their performance. Similarly, the regression coefficient for the influence of the competition environment is 0.411 (t=49.142, p<0.01), suggesting a significant positive effect of the audience and environment on the overall average of pre-competition anxiety. This result indicates that factors such as the audience, place, and opponent have a significant and direct effect on the psychology of athletes during competitions. It may necessitates that coaches assist athletes in addressing factors that may cause anxiety or help them adapt to them, thereby improving their performance. Additionally, the regression coefficient for over-emphasis on result-orientation is 0.257 (t=34.149, p<0.01), indicating a significant positive influence on the overall mean of pre-competition anxiety. This data indicates that an over-emphasis on results can intensify athletes' anxiety levels prior to competition. The summary analysis reveals that low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and excessive emphasis on results-orientation all have significant positive effects on the total anxiety level. Table 3-7 Results of Ridge regression analysis Nonnormalized coefficient Coefficient of standardization t p VIF B Standard Error Beta Constant 0.009 0.018 - 0.471 0.638 - Competition environment impact 0.411 0.008 0.414 49.142 0.000** 5.543 Low self-efficacy 0.320 0.009 0.392 36.112 0.000** 9.198 Over-emphasis on results orientation 0.257 0.008 0.236 34.149 0.000** 3.721 R² 0.998 Adjust R² 0.998 F F (3,120)=25985.161,p =0.000 3.4 Results of grey association analysis In this paper, the linear positive correlation between various items and dimensions was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient (Table 2-1), revealing a high correlation between each item and each dimension (p < 0.01). Subsequently, a grey correlation analysis was performed to investigate the factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety among amateur young athletes (Table 3-8). This analysis calculated the nonlinear relationships and interaction effects among the various dimensions. The grey correlation degree analysis focused on three evaluation items: audience and environment, low self-efficacy, and over-emphasis on result-orientation, along with the total anxiety level. Taking the total anxiety level as the "reference sequence," the correlation (correlation degree) between these three evaluation items and the total anxiety level was examined, providing an analytical reference based on the computed correlation degrees. During the application of grey correlation degree analysis, a resolution coefficient of 0.5 was utilized. The correlation value was computed by employing the correlation coefficient calculation formula. This calculated correlation value served as the basis for evaluation and judgment. Based on the aforementioned correlation coefficient results, weighted processing was conducted to determine the correlation degree value. This value was then utilized to evaluate and rank the three evaluation objects. The correlation value ranges from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates a stronger correlation with the "reference sequence" (parent sequence), thereby indicating a higher evaluation. Grey correlation analysis aims to quantify the correlation degree between the feature sequence and the parent sequence. Specifically, the correlation between the influence of the competition environment and the total anxiety level is 0.679, the correlation between low self-efficacy and the total anxiety level is 0.676, and the correlation between overemphasis on result-orientation and the total anxiety level is 0.759. Among these factors, overemphasis on result-oriented exhibited the highest correlation with the total anxiety level, whereas low self-efficacy displayed the lowest correlation. Table 3-8 Results of grey relational degree analysis Items Relevance Ranking Over-emphasis on results orientation 0.759 1 Competition environment impact 0.679 2 Over-emphasis on results orientation 0.676 3 The results indicate that excessive attention and pursuit of outcomes during the pre-competition preparation phase may significantly influence the anxiety levels of athletes. An overemphasis on results may lead to increased pressure perceived by athletes, subsequently augmenting their anxiety. Among various factors, the correlation between audience and environmental aspects is ranked second, suggesting that audience expectations, gaze, arena atmosphere, and venue comfort may impact the psychological state of participants, thus enhancing their anxiety. The lowest correlation is observed for self-efficacy, indicating that athletes are prone to experiencing pre-competition anxiety when they harbor doubts about their own abilities. 4 Discussion 4.1 Over-emphasis on results orientation Ridge regression analysis revealed (Table 3-7) that an overemphasis on outcome orientation significantly impacted the total anxiety level (p < 0.01), with the change in anxiety score having a smaller but non-negligible positive effect compared to other factors. However, it is important to note that ridge regression analysis is highly sensitive to collinearity and outliers, indicating that there may be other factors influencing the total anxiety level beyond the current analytical model. Further analysis using gray correlation degree analysis (Table 3-8) found that athletes' overemphasis on result-oriented pre-competition anxiety exhibited the highest correlation with the total anxiety level, suggesting that athletes primarily attach excessive importance to competition results. Results-orientedness, a fundamental concept in performance management theory, emphasizes a results-centric perspective but an excessive focus on results can lead to procedural errors and neglect of the competition process, adversely affecting athletes' performance[3,15] . Additionally, the "Wallenda effect" experienced by athletes before competition can trigger negative emotions and anxiety when the desired outcome fails to meet expectations or when fears diverge from ideals[12]. At the same time, The extent to which athletes emphasize competition results may correlate with their motivation levels. According to research findings (Table 4-1), the mean score for the statement "C3: Expected competition results can stimulate your efforts but also make you anxious" is the highest (M±SD=4.137±0.949), exceeding 4 points, indicating that athletes' anxiety levels are elevated due to their focus on anticipated goals. Evidently, when athletes have expectations for competition outcomes and assess their performance accordingly, motivation levels improve but also lead to excessive anxiety and tension. The research confirms that individual motivation levels can influence sports performance, positively predicting athletes' self-perception of performance[1,8]. However, excessively high motivation levels can interfere with memory, thinking, and normal psychological processes, affecting competitive performance. As per the Yerkes-Dodson law, motivation intensity and work efficiency follow an inverted U-shaped curve. The optimal level varies, but excessively high motivation has a detrimental effect on operational behavior[22]. Additionally, the anxiety level score in this dimension is the highest, suggesting athletes believe they will experience high anxiety due to overemphasis on outcomes. Table 4-1 Statistics of the scores of questions in Group C Name β Dimensional average 95%CI M±SD C1 You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game 0.257 3.81±1.09 3.883 4.081±1.123 C2 You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress 2.954 3.853±1.134 C3 The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you 3.970 4.137±0.949 C4 Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition 3.612 3.847±1.332 Figure 4-1 Inverse U-shaped relationship between motivation and performance An excessive focus on competition results can adversely affect the pre-competition anxiety state of adolescent amateur sprinters. The intense emphasis on race outcomes and discrepancies from desired results can intensify anxiety responses. This phenomenon is potentially linked to the athletes' competition motivation level, which differs from internal and external motivation. Nevertheless, in various competition settings, a balanced motivation and motivation level, tailored to the context and athletes' personal traits, along with a focus on participation and actual performance, can effectively mitigate the issue of over-emphasis on results prior to competition[9]. In 1970, Oxsteen outlined the inverse U-shaped curve relationship of motivation, indicating that higher arousal levels are advantageous in endurance, strength, and speed sports, complex motor skills, and fine motor sports. Consequently, the motivation level and anxiety of adolescent amateur sprinters can be modulated within an optimal functional range, thereby effectively reducing pre-competition anxiety among these athletes. This type of control can be mitigated through specific mental skill training and mindfulness interventions. Prior to competition, athletes should concentrate their thoughts on the competitive process, attend to the specifics of the current activity, and redirect their focus to visualizing the movement techniques and the entire competition flow. This redirection of attention away from the results can help alleviate the pressure associated with competition outcomes. By adopting this approach, athletes can engage in active visualization and gradual relaxation, thereby reducing anxiety. A study by Terres-Barcala on mindfulness traits found that these traits exhibit a protective mechanism against competitive anxiety [19]. While athletes with high sports motivation may be more prone to competitive anxiety, mindfulness can moderate these anxiety levels. Thus, mindfulness practices can mitigate the anxiety stemming from excessive result-oriented focus. Additionally, athletes can utilize simulation training in daily competitions to replicate various scenarios, strengthen their psychological preparedness, and familiarize themselves with the competitive rhythm. This prepares them to effectively manage anxiety levels during official competitions and optimizes their competitive state. 4.2 Influence of competition environment The characteristics, conditions and spectators of the competition environment will have a significant impact on the pre-competition anxiety level of young sprinters. Ridge regression analysis showed that for every 1 unit increase in the influence dimension of competition environment, the total anxiety level increased by 0.411 units (B=0.411), and the influence on the total anxiety level was the largest when other variables were controlled. The results of grey correlation analysis show that the correlation degree is 0.679, ranking second, indicating that competition environment factors have a strong correlation with anxiety level. It can be seen from the statistics of the results of the items (Table 4-2) that item A1 and A2 are directly related to the influence of competition environment on anxiety level. Items A3 and A4 indirectly reflect the influence of competition environment on athletes' psychological state. From a practical point of view, the competition environment dimension may include the audience's reaction, arena atmosphere, physical characteristics of the venue, meteorological conditions and other factors, which have a direct impact on the athletes' psychological state. Some scholars believe that social relationship factors are particularly noteworthy among the factors that cause athletes' anxiety, which may become the main component of athletes' pre-competition anxiety, indicating that athletes will have a certain degree of social expectation anxiety when they compete under the gaze of spectators, coaches, relatives and friends[20-21]. As the main observers and judges of the competition scene, the audience's emotions and reactions will have a direct impact on the anxiety level of amateur athletes. A meta-analysis study can also support this view [2]. By studying the impact of audience feedback on the anxiety level of speakers, it is found that the positive feedback from the audience can reduce the anxiety level of speakers, which indicates that audience factors have a direct impact on anxiety level. In addition, the competition environment is multi-dimensional and multi-field. The high or low ambient temperature [4-5,25], the layout of the competition scene[18], and the ground material of the venue have all been confirmed to have a certain impact on sports performance and psychological state[10]. Therefore, adaptive intervention measures can be adopted to relieve anxiety, simulate or adapt to the competition environment and atmosphere in advance to help athletes get familiar with the scene during the competition, reduce strangeness and tension, and improve their ability to cope with the competition. In addition, the anxiety level of athletes can be reduced by seeking the positive support and encouragement of the audience, and the attention of competition pressure can be diverted, and the adjustment can be made by listening to the positive social evaluation. Table 4-2 Statistics on the scores of Group A questions Name β Dimensional average 95%CI M±SD A1 You feel anxious about the audience's gaze or Shouting 0.411 1.98±1.19 1.880 2.137±1.461 A2 The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious 1.779 1.984±1.162 A3 Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety 1.817 2.016±1.133 A4 Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels 1.559 1.758±1.129 It is noteworthy that the mean anxiety score in this dimension was the lowest (M±SD=1.98±1.19), suggesting that most athletes do not consider the competition environment as a significant source of high anxiety. This observation differs from the Ridge regression analysis results, which indicate a high influence coefficient of the competition environment on anxiety levels. However, despite this influence, most athletes do not experience high anxiety when they perceive the competition environment. This discrepancy may stem from several factors. Firstly, despite the notable effect of the competition environment on anxiety, athletes' actual perception of it is mitigated by their strong adaptability. Secondly, individual differences among athletes result in varied coping strategies and psychological adjustment methods, which contribute to a lower perceived level of anxiety. Finally, while regression analysis highlights the correlation between the competition environment and anxiety, it may not fully account for all influencing factors. Other variables not included in the model or complex interactions between variables may also be at play. 4.3 Over-emphasis on results orientation In sports psychology, self-efficacy has been extensively researched and holds significant importance in competitive sports. Among adolescent amateur sprinters, pre-race anxiety states are a prevalent concern, and self-efficacy emerges as a potential key factor. Ridge regression analysis reveals a regression coefficient of 0.320 (p = 0.000*), indicating a substantial positive impact on anxiety levels, second only to the influence of the competition environment. However, the high VIF value of 9.198 suggests further attention is warranted, as it approaches the threshold for potential multicollinearity concerns, though no such issues were detected. The potential for indirectly increasing model fitting risks cannot be discounted. Grey correlation degree analysis shows a correlation of 0.676 between this dimension and anxiety level, ranking third, yet the correlation is comparable to the second-ranked factor and exhibits a strong association with anxiety. According to the statistical results in Table 4-3, the average anxiety score for all items exceeds 2.5 points, indicating that athletes generally experience anxiety due to these aspects, particularly pertaining to self-confidence and external support. According to research, self-efficacy refers to an individual's confidence and expectation regarding their ability to successfully complete a task, which has a notable positive impact on athletes' sports performance[14,23]. Higher levels of self-efficacy correlate with increased effort and improved athletic performance. Social cognitive theory categorizes the determinants of self-efficacy into four components: behavioral achievement, surrogate experience, emotional arousal, and verbal persuasion. These components influence individuals' efficacy expectations, reflected in the challenges they accept, their efforts, and duration. It is evident that enhancing self-efficacy requires not only internal changes within individual athletes but also the support of certain external conditions. Social support has been identified as a key factor in alleviating pre-competition anxiety among young sprinters[16]. Additionally, an increase in self-efficacy can strengthen athletes' perception of social support and improve their emotional state, particularly in terms of individual emotional support. This is evident in the average score of item B3 (2.782), which indicates that most athletes desire emotional support and encouragement prior to competition. Therefore, self-efficacy is inversely correlated with anxiety levels. Table 4-3 Statistics of the scores of question items in Group B Name β Dimensional average 95%CI M±SD B1 Every time you compete, you don't think you're going to have a good result 0.411 1.98±1.19 2.352 2.137±1.461 B2 When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing 2.278 1.984±1.162 B3 If you don't have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious 2.459 2.016±1.133 B4 Every time you get a good grade, you always think you're just lucky 2.386 1.758±1.129 To enhance athletes' self-efficacy and alleviate anxiety, we recommend employing cognitive reconstruction training and emotion regulation strategies to bolster their competitive performance and mental health. Research indicates that athletes must regulate their emotions to achieve optimal sports performance and health, and self-regulation of mood deterioration is inversely correlated with anxiety during competition[21]. To improve self-efficacy, athletes should set specific, measurable goals, focus on the necessary skills and strategies to achieve these goals, and redirect their attention from worries and self-doubt to positive action and preparation. Moreover, adopting positive mental cues, such as "I am capable of overcoming any challenge," can aid in boosting self-confidence and self-efficacy while reducing nervousness. Additionally, guiding athletes to make reasonable attributions is crucial. Research by T Kwon et al. suggests that athletes' attribution results influence changes in self-efficacy and significantly affect pride, shame, and expectations[11]. Coaches play a pivotal role in guiding attribution. They provide positive feedback to athletes and mitigate anxiety through positive verbal reinforcement. Coaches should guide athletes to recognize their true capabilities and the potential for further development, encouraging a shift from a "I can't do it" mindset to a "I'm confident" attitude. Furthermore, emphasizing and acknowledging athletes' efforts can contribute to enhancing their sense of self-efficacy. 5 Conclusion With the progression of sports, the athletic performance of athletes has undergone improvement. In contemporary sports competitions, the psychological prowess of athletes has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing the ultimate competition outcome. The present study endeavors to delve into the key factors that can influence pre-competition anxiety among adolescent amateur sprinters. It is noteworthy that anxiety in psychology can be segmented into various types, including state anxiety, trait anxiety, bodily anxiety, and cognitive anxiety, among others. These anxiety traits encompass individual variations and diverse classifications. However, the study did not differentiate between them, instead focusing solely on measuring anxiety levels within specific dimensions. The competition environment, excessive result-orientation, and a low sense of self-efficacy all exhibit significant positive correlations with pre-competition anxiety levels. Nevertheless, there are numerous other factors that can influence these outcomes, not all of which are encompassed in this study, thus imparting certain limitations to the results. Nevertheless, this research sheds light on the psychological development traits of 16-18-year-old adolescent amateur sprinters, which can assist teachers, coaches, and sports professionals in mitigating pre-competition anxiety among adolescents. It can aid athletes in self-regulating and adjusting their mental state during competitions, enabling them to actively face competition and pressure. By guiding athletes and coaches in making accurate attribution to competition outcomes, it facilitates a deeper understanding among coaches of their athletes, enabling them to devise strategies to address adverse mental states. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The present study was deemed exempt from full ethics review by the Ethics Committee, as it met the criteria for exemption according to the institutional regulations. However, all participants were clearly informed of the study objectives, procedures, and provided their voluntary consent to participate. The researchers adhered strictly to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Conflict of interest statements Authorship Statement: All authors have contributed significantly to the research and writing of the paper. The order of authors reflects their contributions to the work. Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests" in this section. Authors' contributions Writing - Original :Draft: Zheng Xin(Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft) Writing - Review & Editing: Zhao Weike (Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision – including pre-or post publication stages) Investigation：Liu Yuhang（Conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the experiments, or data collection） Acknowledgements Not applicable References Bartolomé J, Almagro et al. Pedro Sáenz-López, Sebastián Fierro-Suero,. (2020).Perceived Performance, In-trinsic Motivation, and Adherence in Athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17: 9441. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249441 . Lestari BS, Parung J, Frikson C. (2021).Public Speaking Anxiety Reviewed from Self-Efficacy and Audience Response on Students: Systematic Review. Proceedings of the International Conference on Psychological Studies (icpsyche 2020), 2021: 1–7. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210423.011 . Daly Amin K, Aymen Z, Zeineb, et al. Analysis of relationships between emotional comp-onents and athletic performance. Med dello Sport 2023 September. 2023;76(3):363–73. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0025-7826.23.04303-X . Du D, Lin JJ, Miao X, et al. Effects of 1-6GHz multi-frequency composite microwave radiation on anxiety-like behavior in mice. J Neuroanat. 2023;39(03):281–8. https://doi.org/10.16557/j.cnki.1000-7547.2023.03.005 . Feng YW, Geng X, Huang P, et al. Research progress on the impact of cooling strategies during exercise in hot environments on aerobic performance. Chin J Sports Med. 2023;42(11):908–18. https://doi.org/10.16038/j.1000-6710.2023.11.012 . Gao Y, Fu N, Mao Y, Shi L. 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Análisis de la presión plantar durante la carrera en el sitio en diferentes superficies. Volume 22. Revista Internacional de Medicina Ciencias de la Actividad Física del Deporte; 2022. pp. 863–75. Kwon T, Shin S, Shin M. The effect of observational learning on self-efficacy by sport competition condition, performance level of team members, and whether you win or lose. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19:10148. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610148 . Kube T, Rief W, Gollwitzer M, Gärtner T, Glombiewski JA. Why dysfunctional expectations in depression persist: Results from two experimental studies investigating cognitive immunization. Psychol Med. 2019;49(9):1532–44. https://10.1017/S0033291718002106 . Lv G, Cai X, Jin Y. Improvement of grey relation analysis and its application on power quality disturbances identification. Fuzzy Syst Knowl discovery. 2006. https://doi.org/10.1007/11881599_144 . Liu F, Li N. 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Factors affecting athletes’ motor behavior after the observation of scenes of cooperation and competition in competitive sport: The effect of sport attitude. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1648. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01648 . Terres-Barcala L, Albaladejo-Blázquez N, Aparicio-Ugarriza R, et al. Effects of Impulsivity on Competitive Anxiety in Female Athletes: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness Trait. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19:3223. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063223 . Tamminen KA, Kim J, Danyluck C, et al. The effect of self- and interpersonal emotion regulation on athletes' anxiety and goal achievement in competition. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2021;57:102034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102034 . Tamminen K, Kim J, Danyluck C, McEwen C, Wagstaff C, Wolf A. The effect of self- and interpersonal emotion regulation on athletes’ anxiety and goal achievement in competition. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2021;57:102034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102034 . Wu XN. Construction of an Inspirational Online Marketing Course Teaching System Based on the Yerkes-Dodson Law. Sci Technol Inform. 2018;16(35):190–1. https://doi.org/10.16661/j.cnki.1672-3791.2018.35.190 . Wang Y. The influence of coaches' inappropriate leadership behaviors on athletes' training performance from the perspective of athletes: A chain mediation model. J Capital Univ Phys Educ Sports. 2023;35(06):673–9. https://doi.org/10.14036/j.cnki.cn11-4513.2023.06.010 . Zhang KN, Zhang MJ. Review and prospect of research on competition anxiety in China: A visual analysis based on CiteSpace. Sichuan Sports Sci. 2023;42(04):59–62. 116.https://doi.org/10.13932/j.cnki.sctykx.2023.04.12 . Zhao L, Han P, Cheng H. Research progress on the impact of low-temperature exposure on athletic performance in winter sports athletes. Beijing Sport Univ J. 2021;44(03):27–35. https://doi.org/10.19582/j.cnki.11-3785/g8.2021.03.003 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4659687","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":322050961,"identity":"2905de78-ac79-4ea5-80db-97e70fc7f451","order_by":0,"name":"Xin Zheng","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA0ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACxgZmEMXP3nzgwIcfpGiR7DmWeHBmD5H2gLUY3MgxPszBRoRy+RnJbY8LKu7IGZw58+EwAw+DPL/YAQLO6jnYbjzjzDNjyeO9Gw4XWDAYzpydQMBR7I1t0rxthxP7zpzdcHgGD0OCwW0CWtiYGcFa6htu5Dw4zMNGhBYeqC0JAjdyGIjTIsED9AvPmcOGM3uOGQADWYKwX+RnpD97zFNxWB4YlY8/fPhhI88vTUALyDsothJUjqFlFIyCUTAKRgEmAAD4qkh7cQ1dsQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Xin","middleName":"","lastName":"Zheng","suffix":""},{"id":322050962,"identity":"488709ab-2b97-480e-9940-273ab5e0dd0c","order_by":1,"name":"Zhao Weike","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zhao","middleName":"","lastName":"Weike","suffix":""},{"id":322050963,"identity":"42dad8e9-11e0-4169-8d69-d97217b93932","order_by":2,"name":"Liu Yuhang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Beijing Sport University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Liu","middleName":"","lastName":"Yuhang","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-06-29 14:19:10","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":60944576,"identity":"87f078cb-7d46-48b4-b4c9-239628b330ca","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-23 22:12:10","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":11458,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3-1 \u003c/strong\u003eRidge trace map\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4659687/v1/f4a284d95eb2b181d232590e.png"},{"id":60944579,"identity":"c373518f-22f9-498b-ab37-393026454fe1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-23 22:12:11","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":21305,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 4-1 \u003c/strong\u003eInverse U-shaped relationship between motivation and performance\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4659687/v1/cf70c57890dae3815d41fe6b.png"},{"id":61506356,"identity":"86ec5590-2219-429d-8b4a-da33ce3596a8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-31 13:49:47","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":729681,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4659687/v1/b4206bf7-12db-4d72-9850-c2c4afbafdc7.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eprinting is a high-intensity athletic discipline that necessitates exceptional explosive power and unwavering focus, demanding sprinters to surmount an array of mental and physical obstacles in order to achieve peak performance during competitions. However, pre-competition anxiety remains a prevalent challenge encountered by athletes across various sports. Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of anxiety reactions among athletes prior to competing. A study employed the Cite Space visual analysis method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of competition anxiety research in China through 2023, encompassing a search of 629 papers[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Including track and field, basketball, martial arts, football, table tennis, and other sports, as well as professional athletes, college athletes, and other groups. This demonstrates the prevalence of pre-competition anxiety among athletes from various sports disciplines.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre-competition anxiety refers to the emotional state characterized by tension, restlessness[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], and apprehension prior to a competition. Athletes may experience stress and nervousness due to the pressure associated with competing and performing. The manifestation of pre-competition anxiety can detrimentally impact an athlete's physical well-being and competitive performance. Various factors contribute to pre-competition anxiety, including individual personality traits, external pressure and expectations, inadequate preparation, among others. A survey investigating competition anxiety and mental health among college athletes reveals a close association between competition characteristics, gender, region, personality traits, expectation levels, mood states, and emotions with competition anxiety[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, individual differences also play a significant role in the experience of anxiety; accordingly, athletes' on-field performance varies depending on the specific type of anxiety they encounter[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Given that adolescents lack sufficient experience in competitive settings during their growth and development stages, this study posits that the primary external factors leading to pre-competition anxiety may differ from those affecting adult athletes .\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn order to investigate the main external factors influencing pre-competition anxiety, grey relational analysis is employed to analyze the correlation between each external factor and this psychological state. Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) is a statistical method used for multi-factor analysis, which assesses the relative influence of an item within a grey system affected by other factors[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. Through questionnaire surveys, this study examines the perceived causes of pre-competition anxiety among amateur young sprinters aged 16\u0026ndash;18 and utilizes gray correlation analysis to determine the degree of correlation for each factor. Since this study is a cross-sectional study, in order to avoid possible multicollinearity problems in the process of data statistics during the questionnaire survey, this study decided to use ridge regression analysis to make statistics on the relationship between dependent variables and independent variables.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research aims to comprehend common phenomena in the pre-competition psychological activities of teenage amateur athletes, providing coaches with insights on assisting athletes in adjusting their mental states before competitions. Additionally, it can aid coaches in timely adjustments to training plans prior to competitions and help athletes self-regulate and adjust their mental states during competitions, enabling them to proactively cope with competition-related pressure.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Method","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study was deemed exempt from full ethics review by the Ethics Committee, as it met the criteria for exemption according to the institutional regulations. However, all participants were clearly informed of the study objectives, procedures, and provided their voluntary consent to participate. The researchers adhered strictly to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1 Subjects\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study employs a stratified sampling method to conduct a questionnaire. To ensure the representativeness of the samples, these 16 sports schools or clubs were located in different cities with a size exceeding 100 individuals，and 10% of the students from each school were taken as a sample. Furthermore，each school takes a random sample from a random number table to ensure that each athlete has an equal chance of being selected. A total of 270 sprinters participating in amateur training from 16 sports training schools or track and field clubs were surveyed. After obtaining consent from the athletes, they were asked about their anxiety levels and the primary factors contributing to their pre-competition anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2 Questionnaire survey\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study employs the questionnaire survey method to construct a structured questionnaire. The content of the questionnaire is divided into two sections. The first section consists of single-choice questions, specifically targeting amateur athletes aged 16-18 who participate in sprint events (including 100m, 200m, and 400m). These athletes should have at least one competition experience and possess amateur training experience ranging from one to three years (inclusive), while also exhibiting pre-competition anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section draws upon relevant research on athletes\u0026apos; pre-competition anxiety conducted\u0026nbsp;by a research,\u0026nbsp;in 2021, as well as expert interviews. In this section, potential factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters will be listed in an interview table for experts to evaluate their relevance using a scoring system ranging from 1 to 5 points. Factors with expert scores \u0026ge;3 points will be selected and their average values calculated before being included in the second part of the questionnaire (as presented in Table 2-1).\u0026nbsp;The second part of the questionnaire (Table 2-1) utilized Richter\u0026apos;s five-level scale (not at all consistent, somewhat consistent, somewhat consistent, very consistent, very consistent) to formulate relevant questions and conduct correlation statistics in order to explore the four dimensions that contribute to pre-competition anxiety among amateur sprinters. Descriptive statistics were employed for analyzing the questionnaire results, while Pearson correlation index was used to assess the linear relationship between each item and the factors. Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient was applied for testing questionnaire reliability, while KMO and Bartlett tests were used for assessing validity.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2-1\u003c/strong\u003e Summary of questionnaire status\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"665\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.32132132132132%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.411411411411411%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRatings M\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.906906906906904%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTitles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.36036036036036%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePearson\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.32132132132132%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.411411411411411%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.50\u0026plusmn;1.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.906906906906904%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA1\u0026nbsp;You feel anxious about the audience\u0026apos;s gaze or Shouting\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.36036036036036%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.957**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA2\u0026nbsp;The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.959**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA3\u0026nbsp;Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.970**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA4\u0026nbsp;Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.936**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.32132132132132%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.411411411411411%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.17\u0026plusmn;0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.906906906906904%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB1\u0026nbsp;Every time you compete, you don\u0026apos;t think you\u0026apos;re going to have a good result\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.36036036036036%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.990**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB2\u0026nbsp;When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.981**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB3\u0026nbsp;If you don\u0026apos;t have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.978**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB4\u0026nbsp;Every time you get a good grade, you always think you\u0026apos;re just lucky\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.985**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.32132132132132%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.411411411411411%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.84\u0026plusmn;0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.906906906906904%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC1\u0026nbsp;You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.36036036036036%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.971**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC2\u0026nbsp;You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.922**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC3\u0026nbsp;The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.957**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC4\u0026nbsp;Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.978**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.32132132132132%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfluence of competitive opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.411411411411411%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.00\u0026plusmn;1.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"56.906906906906904%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD1\u0026nbsp;You often attribute a loss to the opponent\u0026apos;s influence\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.36036036036036%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.980**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD2\u0026nbsp;You will feel anxious before the game because of your opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.980**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD3\u0026nbsp;You prefer matches with fewer opponents\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.966**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"84.59821428571429%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD4\u0026nbsp;You don\u0026apos;t always do well against the best\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.401785714285714%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.818**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*p\u0026lt;0.05 ** p\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.3 Grey relational degree analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grey correlation analysis model is employed in this paper to investigate and forecast the degree of correlation among multiple influencing factors at the data level. As a branch of grey system theory, the fundamental concept of grey correlation analysis lies in quantifying the correlation between factors based on their similarity or variation in developmental trends[13]. This approach primarily focuses on capturing dynamic geometric patterns within time series fluctuations and assesses the degree of correlation between different factors by comparing their geometric similarities. Unlike other methods, it does not necessitate specific distribution assumptions for data and effectively analyzes nonlinear relationships as well. Its application in sports can greatly assist coaches and athletes in optimizing training plans to enhance competitive abilities. By examining various dimensions\u0026apos; correlations with pre-competition anxiety and ranking them accordingly, we explore the nonlinear relationship between diverse factors and pre-competition anxiety among amateur young sprinters. The data is initialized and dimensionless, and substituted into the formula x_i(k)\u0026apos; = x_i(k)/x_i(1) i = 1,... ,m, k = 1,... n, resolution coefficient \u0026rho;\u0026isin;(0, \u0026infin;) is taken as 0.5, five kinds of dimensions are taken as feature sequence variables, and total average anxiety index：\u0026nbsp;is taken as parent sequence variable. Substituting into formula:\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;To solve the grey relation value between the parent sequence and the feature sequence, calculate the grey relation degree value, and after sorting the grey relation value, draw a conclusion, which can help coaches and athletes to make reasonable attribution and timely adjustment before the competition. However, gray correlation analysis can only reveal the degree of correlation between factors, but can not determine causality. The level of correlation only reflects the relative closeness between factors, and does not necessarily mean that a factor has a direct or major impact on pre-competition anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.4 Ridge Regression Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study using Ridge regression analysis quantify the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, specifically examining the relationship between the factors and the anxiety level. Ridge regression analysis serves as a methodological tool to address collinearity among independent variables in linear regression models. By introducing a k identity matrix, the regression coefficients can be accurately estimated. The selection criterion for the k value was based on the minimum value at which the standardized regression coefficients of each independent variable stabilized, with lower k values indicating reduced deviations. Ridge regression analysis is employed to address multicollinearity issues among the predictor variables. The ridge regression model is defined as:\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003ewhere\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;is the regularization parameter ,\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eis the matrix of predictor variables,\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;is the response variable,\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;is the identity matrix.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, ridge regression analysis was used to assess the impact of each anxiety factor on the overall anxiety level of the athletes. The selection of the regularization parameter \u0026nbsp;was based on cross-validation to ensure the model\u0026rsquo;s optimal performance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.1 Statistics of questionnaire results\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.1.1 Descriptive statistics of questionnaire results\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 270 young sprinters participated in this study by completing online questionnaires regarding their sources of pre-competition anxiety. Questionnaires with less than 1 year of training experience, no competition experience, incomplete answers, incorrect answers to verification questions or confusion were excluded. After excluding invalid responses that did not meet criteria, a total of 124 valid questionnaires were obtained from participants including 92 male athletes and 32 female athletes, the majority of the respondents were male (74.2%),with an average age of 17.04 years and an average training period of 2.02 years. The mean score for overall anxiety level was found to be 2.64 (Table 3-1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable3-1\u003c/strong\u003e Basic information about survey respondents\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eValue (mean \u0026plusmn; standard deviation)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale athletes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale athletes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAverage age\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.04\u0026plusmn;0.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAverage years of training\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.02\u0026plusmn;0.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.63898916967509%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal mean of anxiety levels\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.36101083032491%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.64\u0026plusmn;1.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, a correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between the four dimensions and their respective questionnaire items. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between the four dimensional factors and the items within each dimension (p \u0026lt; 0.01), as outlined in Table 2-2. Upon analyzing the questionnaire responses in Table 3-2, it was observed that the findings were consistent. Specifically, the overall pre-competition anxiety index for amateur adolescent athletes averaged 2.64, suggesting a moderate level of anxiety, falling between minimal and moderate anxiety. Among the various factors, the one with the highest score was the over-emphasis on results-oriented, with an average of 3.81, indicating an anxiety level ranging from moderate to severe. Conversely, the competition environment factor received the lowest score, averaging 1.98, suggesting that athletes\u0026apos; anxiety levels related to this factor were between minimal and slight anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eStatistical table of basic information of questionnaire results\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"45.14637904468413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNames\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.48382126348228%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSample Size\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMissing values\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.169491525423728%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.788906009244993%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"45.14637904468413%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.48382126348228%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.169491525423728%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.764\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.788906009244993%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u0026plusmn;1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.289592760181%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.93212669683258%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.382\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.778280542986426%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.64\u0026plusmn;1.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.289592760181%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.93212669683258%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.613\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.778280542986426%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.81\u0026plusmn;1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.289592760181%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfluence of competitive opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.93212669683258%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.932\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.778280542986426%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.15\u0026plusmn;1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.289592760181%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal mean of anxiety levels\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.93212669683258%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.432\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.778280542986426%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.64\u0026plusmn;1.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, a T-test was conducted to examine the potential impact of gender on the research outcomes (Table 3-3). The findings revealed that, across all four factors, there was no significant difference between samples of different genders (p\u0026gt;0.05). This indicates a consistency in the responses regardless of gender. Furthermore, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was performed on the training years (Table 3-4). Given the controlled conditions of data collection in this study, the results showed no significant difference between training years and any of the dimensions (p\u0026gt;0.05). This suggests a consistency in the data, thereby negating the need for further post-hoc testing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eResults of gender and influencing factors analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.46153846153846%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.84615384615385%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGender (M\u0026plusmn;SD)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.76923076923077%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.923076923076923%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"53.87755102040816%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale（n=32）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.12244897959184%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale（n=92）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.53312788906009%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.338983050847457%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.34\u0026plusmn;1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.08\u0026plusmn;1.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.782742681047766%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.933744221879815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.53312788906009%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.338983050847457%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.78\u0026plusmn;1.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.81\u0026plusmn;1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.782742681047766%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.933744221879815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.53312788906009%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.338983050847457%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.87\u0026plusmn;1.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.56\u0026plusmn;1.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.782742681047766%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.933744221879815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.53312788906009%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfluence of competitive opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.338983050847457%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.20\u0026plusmn;1.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.41140215716487%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.90\u0026plusmn;1.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.782742681047766%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.933744221879815%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*p\u0026lt;0.05 ** p\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-4\u003c/strong\u003e Analysis results of training years and influencing factors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.76923076923077%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"46.15384615384615%\" colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraining years（M\u0026plusmn;SD）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.615384615384615%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.461538461538462%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34.666666666666664%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0（n=44）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.333333333333332%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.0（n=4）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"34%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.0（n=46）\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.01\u0026plusmn;1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.88\u0026plusmn;1.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.692307692307692%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.47\u0026plusmn;1.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.64\u0026plusmn;1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.77\u0026plusmn;0.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.692307692307692%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.99\u0026plusmn;1.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.37\u0026plusmn;1.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.43\u0026plusmn;1.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.692307692307692%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.04\u0026plusmn;1.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"40.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfluence of competitive opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.85\u0026plusmn;1.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.71\u0026plusmn;1.10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.692307692307692%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.29\u0026plusmn;1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"6.461538461538462%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*p\u0026lt;0.05 ** p\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2 Questionnaire reliability and validity test\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2.1 Questionnaire reliability analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this paper, the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient. Specifically, the second section of the questionnaire was analyzed as an independent variable (X) to evaluate the rationality of the questions and determine if there was any misinterpretation by the respondents. Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient serves as a measure of internal consistency, where values above 0.9 indicate excellent reliability, 0.8-0.9 indicate good reliability, 0.7-0.8 indicate acceptable reliability, 0.6-0.7 indicate normal reliability, 0.5-0.6 indicate suboptimal reliability, and values below 0.5 suggest the need for reformatting the questionnaire. In the present study, a total of 16 questions were analyzed for reliability using Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient. The research findings revealed that the Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient for the audience and environmental impact dimension was 0.979 (Table 3-5). For the dimension of low self-efficacy, the Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient was 0.987; for over-emphasis on outcome orientation, it was 0.965; and for the influence of competitors, the Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient was 0.952. The overall reliability of the questionnaire, represented by the Cronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha; coefficient, was 0.966. These results indicate that all reliability coefficient values of the questionnaire exceeded 0.8, demonstrating good reliability across all dimensions of the questionnaire.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-5\u003c/strong\u003e Results of questionnaire reliability test\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"665\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.210526315789473%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"45.41353383458647%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTitles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.639097744360901%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.736842105263158%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOverall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCronbach\u0026apos;s \u0026alpha;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.210526315789473%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"45.41353383458647%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA1\u0026nbsp;You feel anxious about the audience\u0026apos;s gaze or Shouting\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.639097744360901%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.979\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.736842105263158%\" rowspan=\"16\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.966\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA2\u0026nbsp;The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA3\u0026nbsp;Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA4\u0026nbsp;Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.395061728395063%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"53.26278659611993%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB1\u0026nbsp;Every time you compete, you don\u0026apos;t think you\u0026apos;re going to have a good result\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.34215167548501%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.987\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB2\u0026nbsp;When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB3\u0026nbsp;If you don\u0026apos;t have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB4\u0026nbsp;Every time you get a good grade, you always think you\u0026apos;re just lucky\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.395061728395063%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"53.26278659611993%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC1\u0026nbsp;You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.34215167548501%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.965\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC2\u0026nbsp;You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC3\u0026nbsp;The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC4\u0026nbsp;Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.395061728395063%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInfluence of competitive opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"53.26278659611993%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD1\u0026nbsp;You often attribute a loss to the opponent\u0026apos;s influence\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.34215167548501%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.952\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD2\u0026nbsp;You will feel anxious before the game because of your opponent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD3\u0026nbsp;You prefer matches with fewer opponents\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eD4\u0026nbsp;You don\u0026apos;t always do well against the best\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2.2 Questionnaire validity test\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the validity of the questionnaire was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test, as presented in Table 3-6. The test involved 16 question items organized within four distinct dimensions, serving as variables. The resulting KMO value was 0.920, exceeding the threshold of 0.8. This indicates that the research data is highly suitable for information extraction and possesses a sufficient degree of correlation among the question item variables, fulfilling the prerequisites for factor analysis. The analysis of the item-factor relationship revealed that the variance explanation rates of the four factors are 34.085%, 33.010%, 27.976%, and 1.573%, respectively. \u0026nbsp;Following rotation, the cumulative variance explanation rate reached 96.644%, exceeding the benchmark of 50%. \u0026nbsp;This suggests that the information content of the research items can be effectively extracted. However, the communality values for factor 4 were all below 0.4, with a variance explanation rate of 1.573%. This significant deviation from the expected relationship among the research items led to the exclusion of factor 4 from further analysis. Conversely, the relationships between factors 1, 2, and 3 aligned with the expected patterns and will be included in the subsequent analyses. The results of the Bartlett\u0026apos;s test of sphericity indicated a significant P value of 0.000, thereby rejecting the null hypothesis and confirming the presence of correlation among the variables. This validates the effectiveness of the factor analysis and its fit to the data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-6\u003c/strong\u003e Validity test results\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"80%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFactor Load factor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFactor 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFactor 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFactor 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFactor 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.918\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.515\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.523\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.106\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.420\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.515\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.606\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.019\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.423\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.823\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.417\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.557\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.515\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.612\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.142\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKMO\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"80%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.920\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBartlett\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"80%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4792.852\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"80%\" colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*p\u0026lt;0.05 ** p\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.3 Results of regression analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe linear regression analysis conducted on the three factors of the questionnaire and the total anxiety index revealed that the variance inflation factor (VIF) of the low self-efficacy factor stood at 7.4, exceeding the threshold of 5, suggesting potential collinearity issues within the data. Consequently, ridge regression analysis was employed as a solution. This analysis aimed to quantify the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, specifically examining the relationship between the three factors and the total anxiety level. Ridge regression analysis serves as a methodological tool to address collinearity among independent variables in linear regression models. By introducing a k identity matrix, the regression coefficients can be accurately estimated. Prior to the analysis, the optimal k value was determined through the examination of the ridge trace plot (Figure 3-1). The selection criterion for the k value was based on the minimum value at which the standardized regression coefficients of each independent variable stabilized, with lower k values indicating reduced deviations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and over-emphasis on outcome orientation were designated as independent variables, while the total anxiety level served as the dependent variable for ridge regression analysis. The resulting ridge trace plot was evaluated based on the criterion of VIF \u0026le; 10, with preference given to smaller k values. Ultimately, a k value of 0.01 was chosen. The model fitting outcomes are presented in Table 3-7. The table indicates that Ridge regression analysis was performed with the three factors as independent variables and the total anxiety level as the dependent variable. The model\u0026apos;s R-squared value of 0.998 suggests that low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and over-emphasis on outcome orientation account for 99.85% of the variation in the total anxiety level, indicating a high degree of fit. However, the possibility of overfitting cannot be discounted. To assess the significance of the model, a Ridge regression ANOVA test (F test) was conducted. As evident from Table 3-7, the model successfully passes the F test (F=25985.161, p=0.000 \u0026lt; 0.05), indicating its meaningfulness. This suggests that a low level of self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and overemphasis on at least one of the results orientations have a significant impact on the total anxiety level. The formula for the model is as follows: Overall Anxiety Level = 0.009 + 0.320 * Low Self-Efficacy + 0.411 * Competition Environment Impact + 0.257 * Overemphasis on Results Orientation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3-1\u003c/strong\u003e Ridge trace map\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe regression coefficient for low self-efficacy is 0.320 (t=36.112, p\u0026lt;0.01), indicating a significant positive impact on the overall mean value of pre-competition anxiety. This indicates that athletes with lower self-efficacy tend to experience higher levels of pre-competition anxiety. This result underscores the significance of enhancing athletes\u0026apos; self-efficacy. According to research result, by strengthening athletes\u0026apos; confidence in their abilities, anxiety can be effectively mitigated, leading to improvements in their performance. Similarly, the regression coefficient for the influence of the competition environment is 0.411 (t=49.142, p\u0026lt;0.01), suggesting a significant positive effect of the audience and environment on the overall average of pre-competition anxiety. This result indicates that factors such as the audience, place, and opponent have a significant and direct effect on the psychology of athletes during competitions. \u0026nbsp;It may necessitates that coaches assist athletes in addressing factors that may cause anxiety or help them adapt to them, thereby improving their performance. Additionally, the regression coefficient for over-emphasis on result-orientation is 0.257 (t=34.149, p\u0026lt;0.01), indicating a significant positive influence on the overall mean of pre-competition anxiety. This data indicates that an over-emphasis on results can intensify athletes\u0026apos; anxiety levels prior to competition. The summary analysis reveals that low self-efficacy, the influence of the competition environment, and excessive emphasis on results-orientation all have significant positive effects on the total anxiety level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-7\u003c/strong\u003e Results of Ridge regression analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.153846153846153%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNonnormalized coefficient\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCoefficient of standardization\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.615384615384615%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.153846153846153%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.307692307692308%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVIF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.67704280155642%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.4124513618677%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStandard Error\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"38.91050583657587%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBeta\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConstant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.018\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.471\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.153846153846153%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.638\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.307692307692308%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.411\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.414\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.142\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.153846153846153%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.307692307692308%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.543\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow self-efficacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.320\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.392\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.112\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.153846153846153%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.307692307692308%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.198\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.257\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.76923076923077%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.384615384615385%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.236\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.615384615384615%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.149\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.153846153846153%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.307692307692308%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.721\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eR\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.61538461538461%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.998\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdjust R\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.61538461538461%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.998\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.38461538461539%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"66.61538461538461%\" colspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eF (3,120)=25985.161,p =0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.4 Results of grey association analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this paper, the linear positive correlation between various items and dimensions was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient (Table 2-1), revealing a high correlation between each item and each dimension (p \u0026lt; 0.01). Subsequently, a grey correlation analysis was performed to investigate the factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety among amateur young athletes (Table 3-8). This analysis calculated the nonlinear relationships and interaction effects among the various dimensions. The grey correlation degree analysis focused on three evaluation items: audience and environment, low self-efficacy, and over-emphasis on result-orientation, along with the total anxiety level. Taking the total anxiety level as the \u0026quot;reference sequence,\u0026quot; the correlation (correlation degree) between these three evaluation items and the total anxiety level was examined, providing an analytical reference based on the computed correlation degrees. During the application of grey correlation degree analysis, a resolution coefficient of 0.5 was utilized. The correlation value was computed by employing the correlation coefficient calculation formula. This calculated correlation value served as the basis for evaluation and judgment. Based on the aforementioned correlation coefficient results, weighted processing was conducted to determine the correlation degree value. This value was then utilized to evaluate and rank the three evaluation objects. The correlation value ranges from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates a stronger correlation with the \u0026quot;reference sequence\u0026quot; (parent sequence), thereby indicating a higher evaluation. Grey correlation analysis aims to quantify the correlation degree between the feature sequence and the parent sequence. Specifically, the correlation between the influence of the competition environment and the total anxiety level is 0.679, the correlation between low self-efficacy and the total anxiety level is 0.676, and the correlation between overemphasis on result-orientation and the total anxiety level is 0.759. Among these factors, overemphasis on result-oriented exhibited the highest correlation with the total anxiety level, whereas low self-efficacy displayed the lowest correlation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3-8\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eResults of grey relational degree analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.21879815100154%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.499229583975346%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRelevance\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.281972265023114%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRanking\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.21879815100154%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.499229583975346%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.759\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.281972265023114%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.21879815100154%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition environment impact\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.499229583975346%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.679\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.281972265023114%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"42.21879815100154%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOver-emphasis on results orientation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"24.499229583975346%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.676\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.281972265023114%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results indicate that excessive attention and pursuit of outcomes during the pre-competition preparation phase may significantly influence the anxiety levels of athletes. An overemphasis on results may lead to increased pressure perceived by athletes, subsequently augmenting their anxiety. Among various factors, the correlation between audience and environmental aspects is ranked second, suggesting that audience expectations, gaze, arena atmosphere, and venue comfort may impact the psychological state of participants, thus enhancing their anxiety. The lowest correlation is observed for self-efficacy, indicating that athletes are prone to experiencing pre-competition anxiety when they harbor doubts about their own abilities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.1 Over-emphasis on results orientation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRidge regression analysis revealed (Table 3-7) that an overemphasis on outcome orientation significantly impacted the total anxiety level (p \u0026lt; 0.01), with the change in anxiety score having a smaller but non-negligible positive effect compared to other factors. However, it is important to note that ridge regression analysis is highly sensitive to collinearity and outliers, indicating that there may be other factors influencing the total anxiety level beyond the current analytical model. Further analysis using gray correlation degree analysis (Table 3-8) found that athletes\u0026apos; overemphasis on result-oriented pre-competition anxiety exhibited the highest correlation with the total anxiety level, suggesting that athletes primarily attach excessive importance to competition results. Results-orientedness, a fundamental concept in performance management theory, emphasizes a results-centric perspective but an excessive focus on results can lead to procedural errors and neglect of the competition process, adversely affecting athletes\u0026apos; performance[3,15]\u0026nbsp;. Additionally, the \u0026quot;Wallenda effect\u0026quot; experienced by athletes before competition can trigger negative emotions and anxiety when the desired outcome fails to meet expectations or when fears diverge from ideals[12]. At the same time, The extent to which athletes emphasize competition results may correlate with their motivation levels. According to research findings (Table 4-1), the mean score for the statement \u0026quot;C3: Expected competition results can stimulate your efforts but also make you anxious\u0026quot; is the highest (M\u0026plusmn;SD=4.137\u0026plusmn;0.949), exceeding 4 points, indicating that athletes\u0026apos; anxiety levels are elevated due to their focus on anticipated goals. Evidently, when athletes have expectations for competition outcomes and assess their performance accordingly, motivation levels improve but also lead to excessive anxiety and tension. The research confirms that individual motivation levels can influence sports performance, positively predicting athletes\u0026apos; self-perception of performance[1,8]. However, excessively high motivation levels can interfere with memory, thinking, and normal psychological processes, affecting competitive performance. As per the Yerkes-Dodson law, motivation intensity and work efficiency follow an inverted U-shaped curve. The optimal level varies, but excessively high motivation has a detrimental effect on operational behavior[22]. Additionally, the anxiety level score in this dimension is the highest, suggesting athletes believe they will experience high anxiety due to overemphasis on outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4-1\u003c/strong\u003e Statistics of the scores of questions in Group C\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.847457627118644%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.012326656394453%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026beta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.795069337442218%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensional average\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.847457627118644%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC1\u0026nbsp;You can be stressed out by focusing too much on the result before the game\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.012326656394453%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.257\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.795069337442218%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.81\u0026plusmn;1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.883\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.081\u0026plusmn;1.123\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.62295081967213%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC2\u0026nbsp;You focus on results and lose sight of your actual performance and progress\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.90983606557377%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.954\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.4672131147541%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.853\u0026plusmn;1.134\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.62295081967213%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC3\u0026nbsp;The expected outcome of a competition can motivate your efforts, but it can also unnerve you\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.90983606557377%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.970\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.4672131147541%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.137\u0026plusmn;0.949\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.62295081967213%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eC4\u0026nbsp;Instead of focusing on the process, you focus on the results and rankings at the end of the competition\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.90983606557377%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.612\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.4672131147541%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.847\u0026plusmn;1.332\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 4-1\u003c/strong\u003e Inverse U-shaped relationship between motivation and performance\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excessive focus on competition results can adversely affect the pre-competition anxiety state of adolescent amateur sprinters. The intense emphasis on race outcomes and discrepancies from desired results can intensify anxiety responses. This phenomenon is potentially linked to the athletes\u0026apos; competition motivation level, which differs from internal and external motivation. Nevertheless, in various competition settings, a balanced motivation and motivation level, tailored to the context and athletes\u0026apos; personal traits, along with a focus on participation and actual performance, can effectively mitigate the issue of over-emphasis on results prior to competition[9]. In 1970, Oxsteen outlined the inverse U-shaped curve relationship of motivation, indicating that higher arousal levels are advantageous in endurance, strength, and speed sports, complex motor skills, and fine motor sports. Consequently, the motivation level and anxiety of adolescent amateur sprinters can be modulated within an optimal functional range, thereby effectively reducing pre-competition anxiety among these athletes. This type of control can be mitigated through specific mental skill training and mindfulness interventions. Prior to competition, athletes should concentrate their thoughts on the competitive process, attend to the specifics of the current activity, and redirect their focus to visualizing the movement techniques and the entire competition flow. This redirection of attention away from the results can help alleviate the pressure associated with competition outcomes. By adopting this approach, athletes can engage in active visualization and gradual relaxation, thereby reducing anxiety. A study by Terres-Barcala on mindfulness traits found that these traits exhibit a protective mechanism against competitive anxiety\u0026nbsp;[19]. While athletes with high sports motivation may be more prone to competitive anxiety, mindfulness can moderate these anxiety levels. Thus, mindfulness practices can mitigate the anxiety stemming from excessive result-oriented focus. Additionally, athletes can utilize simulation training in daily competitions to replicate various scenarios, strengthen their psychological preparedness, and familiarize themselves with the competitive rhythm. This prepares them to effectively manage anxiety levels during official competitions and optimizes their competitive state.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.2 Influence of competition environment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe characteristics, conditions and spectators of the competition environment will have a significant impact on the pre-competition anxiety level of young sprinters. Ridge regression analysis showed that for every 1 unit increase in the influence dimension of competition environment, the total anxiety level increased by 0.411 units (B=0.411), and the influence on the total anxiety level was the largest when other variables were controlled. The results of grey correlation analysis show that the correlation degree is 0.679, ranking second, indicating that competition environment factors have a strong correlation with anxiety level. It can be seen from the statistics of the results of the items (Table 4-2) that item A1 and A2 are directly related to the influence of competition environment on anxiety level. Items A3 and A4 indirectly reflect the influence of competition environment on athletes\u0026apos; psychological state. From a practical point of view, the competition environment dimension may include the audience\u0026apos;s reaction, arena atmosphere, physical characteristics of the venue, meteorological conditions and other factors, which have a direct impact on the athletes\u0026apos; psychological state. Some scholars believe that social relationship factors are particularly noteworthy among the factors that cause athletes\u0026apos; anxiety, which may become the main component of athletes\u0026apos; pre-competition anxiety, indicating that athletes will have a certain degree of social expectation anxiety when they compete under the gaze of spectators, coaches, relatives and friends[20-21]. As the main observers and judges of the competition scene, the audience\u0026apos;s emotions and reactions will have a direct impact on the anxiety level of amateur athletes. A meta-analysis study can also support this view\u0026nbsp;[2].\u0026nbsp;By studying the impact of audience feedback on the anxiety level of speakers, it is found that the positive feedback from the audience can reduce the anxiety level of speakers, which indicates that audience factors have a direct impact on anxiety level. In addition, the competition environment is multi-dimensional and multi-field. The high or low ambient temperature\u0026nbsp;[4-5,25], the layout of the competition scene[18], and the ground material of the venue have all been confirmed to have a certain impact on sports performance and psychological state[10]. Therefore, adaptive intervention measures can be adopted to relieve anxiety, simulate or adapt to the competition environment and atmosphere in advance to help athletes get familiar with the scene during the competition, reduce strangeness and tension, and improve their ability to cope with the competition. \u0026nbsp;In addition, the anxiety level of athletes can be reduced by seeking the positive support and encouragement of the audience, and the attention of competition pressure can be diverted, and the adjustment can be made by listening to the positive social evaluation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4-2\u003c/strong\u003e Statistics on the scores of Group A questions\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"51.15562403697997%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.704160246533128%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026beta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.795069337442218%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensional average\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"51.15562403697997%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA1\u0026nbsp;You feel anxious about the audience\u0026apos;s gaze or Shouting\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.704160246533128%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.411\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.795069337442218%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u0026plusmn;1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.880\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.137\u0026plusmn;1.461\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA2\u0026nbsp;The changing environment of the game often makes you feel anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.779\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.984\u0026plusmn;1.162\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA3\u0026nbsp;Playing in the right weather can help reduce your anxiety\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.817\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.016\u0026plusmn;1.133\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA4\u0026nbsp;Playing on familiar turf can help ease your anxiety levels\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.559\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.758\u0026plusmn;1.129\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is noteworthy that the mean anxiety score in this dimension was the lowest (M\u0026plusmn;SD=1.98\u0026plusmn;1.19), suggesting that most athletes do not consider the competition environment as a significant source of high anxiety. This observation differs from the Ridge regression analysis results, which indicate a high influence coefficient of the competition environment on anxiety levels. However, despite this influence, most athletes do not experience high anxiety when they perceive the competition environment. This discrepancy may stem from several factors. Firstly, despite the notable effect of the competition environment on anxiety, athletes\u0026apos; actual perception of it is mitigated by their strong adaptability. \u0026nbsp;Secondly, individual differences among athletes result in varied coping strategies and psychological adjustment methods, which contribute to a lower perceived level of anxiety. Finally, while regression analysis highlights the correlation between the competition environment and anxiety, it may not fully account for all influencing factors. Other variables not included in the model or complex interactions between variables may also be at play.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.3 Over-emphasis on results orientation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn sports psychology, self-efficacy has been extensively researched and holds significant importance in competitive sports. Among adolescent amateur sprinters, pre-race anxiety states are a prevalent concern, and self-efficacy emerges as a potential key factor. Ridge regression analysis reveals a regression coefficient of 0.320 (p = 0.000*), indicating a substantial positive impact on anxiety levels, second only to the influence of the competition environment. However, the high VIF value of 9.198 suggests further attention is warranted, as it approaches the threshold for potential multicollinearity concerns, though no such issues were detected. The potential for indirectly increasing model fitting risks cannot be discounted. Grey correlation degree analysis shows a correlation of 0.676 between this dimension and anxiety level, ranking third, yet the correlation is comparable to the second-ranked factor and exhibits a strong association with anxiety. According to the statistical results in Table 4-3, the average anxiety score for all items exceeds 2.5 points, indicating that athletes generally experience anxiety due to these aspects, particularly pertaining to self-confidence and external support. According to research, self-efficacy refers to an individual\u0026apos;s confidence and expectation regarding their ability to successfully complete a task, which has a notable positive impact on athletes\u0026apos; sports performance[14,23]. Higher levels of self-efficacy correlate with increased effort and improved athletic performance. Social cognitive theory categorizes the determinants of self-efficacy into four components: behavioral achievement, surrogate experience, emotional arousal, and verbal persuasion. These components influence individuals\u0026apos; efficacy expectations, reflected in the challenges they accept, their efforts, and duration. It is evident that enhancing self-efficacy requires not only internal changes within individual athletes but also the support of certain external conditions. Social support has been identified as a key factor in alleviating pre-competition anxiety among young sprinters[16]. Additionally, an increase in self-efficacy can strengthen athletes\u0026apos; perception of social support and improve their emotional state, particularly in terms of individual emotional support. This is evident in the average score of item B3 (2.782), which indicates that most athletes desire emotional support and encouragement prior to competition. Therefore, self-efficacy is inversely correlated with anxiety levels.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4-3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eStatistics of the scores of question items in Group B\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"51.15562403697997%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eName\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.474576271186441%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026beta;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.024653312788907%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDimensional average\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eM\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"51.15562403697997%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB1\u0026nbsp;Every time you compete, you don\u0026apos;t think you\u0026apos;re going to have a good result\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.474576271186441%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.411\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.024653312788907%\" rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u0026plusmn;1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.70724191063174%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.352\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.637904468412943%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.137\u0026plusmn;1.461\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB2\u0026nbsp;When you are faced with a competition, you often have the idea of withdrawing\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.278\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.984\u0026plusmn;1.162\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB3\u0026nbsp;If you don\u0026apos;t have a coach or a friend to encourage you before the game, you will be anxious\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.459\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.016\u0026plusmn;1.133\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"67.75510204081633%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eB4\u0026nbsp;Every time you get a good grade, you always think you\u0026apos;re just lucky\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.857142857142858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.386\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.387755102040817%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.758\u0026plusmn;1.129\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo enhance athletes\u0026apos; self-efficacy and alleviate anxiety, we recommend employing cognitive reconstruction training and emotion regulation strategies to bolster their competitive performance and mental health. Research indicates that athletes must regulate their emotions to achieve optimal sports performance and health, and self-regulation of mood deterioration is inversely correlated with anxiety during competition[21]. To improve self-efficacy, athletes should set specific, measurable goals, focus on the necessary skills and strategies to achieve these goals, and redirect their attention from worries and self-doubt to positive action and preparation. Moreover, adopting positive mental cues, such as \u0026quot;I am capable of overcoming any challenge,\u0026quot; can aid in boosting self-confidence and self-efficacy while reducing nervousness. Additionally, guiding athletes to make reasonable attributions is crucial. Research by T Kwon et al. suggests that athletes\u0026apos; attribution results influence changes in self-efficacy and significantly affect pride, shame, and expectations[11]. Coaches play a pivotal role in guiding attribution. They provide positive feedback to athletes and mitigate anxiety through positive verbal reinforcement. Coaches should guide athletes to recognize their true capabilities and the potential for further development, encouraging a shift from a \u0026quot;I can\u0026apos;t do it\u0026quot; mindset to a \u0026quot;I\u0026apos;m confident\u0026quot; attitude. Furthermore, emphasizing and acknowledging athletes\u0026apos; efforts can contribute to enhancing their sense of self-efficacy.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eWith the progression of sports, the athletic performance of athletes has undergone improvement. In contemporary sports competitions, the psychological prowess of athletes has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing the ultimate competition outcome. The present study endeavors to delve into the key factors that can influence pre-competition anxiety among adolescent amateur sprinters. It is noteworthy that anxiety in psychology can be segmented into various types, including state anxiety, trait anxiety, bodily anxiety, and cognitive anxiety, among others. These anxiety traits encompass individual variations and diverse classifications. However, the study did not differentiate between them, instead focusing solely on measuring anxiety levels within specific dimensions. The competition environment, excessive result-orientation, and a low sense of self-efficacy all exhibit significant positive correlations with pre-competition anxiety levels. Nevertheless, there are numerous other factors that can influence these outcomes, not all of which are encompassed in this study, thus imparting certain limitations to the results. Nevertheless, this research sheds light on the psychological development traits of 16-18-year-old adolescent amateur sprinters, which can assist teachers, coaches, and sports professionals in mitigating pre-competition anxiety among adolescents. It can aid athletes in self-regulating and adjusting their mental state during competitions, enabling them to actively face competition and pressure. By guiding athletes and coaches in making accurate attribution to competition outcomes, it facilitates a deeper understanding among coaches of their athletes, enabling them to devise strategies to address adverse mental states.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present study was deemed exempt from full ethics review by the Ethics Committee, as it met the criteria for exemption according to the institutional regulations. However, all participants were clearly informed of the study objectives, procedures, and provided their voluntary consent to participate. The researchers adhered strictly to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eConflict of interest statements\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthorship Statement: All authors have contributed significantly to the research and writing of the paper. The order of authors reflects their contributions to the work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompeting Interests:\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests\u0026quot; in this section.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting - Original :Draft: Zheng Xin(Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting - Review \u0026amp; Editing: Zhao Weike (Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision \u0026ndash; including pre-or post publication stages)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvestigation：Liu Yuhang（Conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the experiments, or data collection）\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBartolom\u0026eacute; J, Almagro et al. 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Beijing Sport Univ J. 2021;44(03):27\u0026ndash;35. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.19582/j.cnki.11-3785/g8.2021.03.003\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.19582/j.cnki.11-3785/g8.2021.03.003\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"sprinting, teenagers, anxiety, grey correlation analysis","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003ePurpose\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety in adolescent amateur sprinters and explore potential strategies to alleviate these anxieties.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA survey was conducted among 270 athletes from 16 sports schools and track and field clubs, resulting in a final sample of 124 valid questionnaires. Grey correlation analysis and Ridge regression analysis and other methodologies were employed to analyze the influencing factors of pre-competition anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings reveal that the competition environment, individual self-efficacy, and excessive focus on outcomes are the primary factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research provides tailored psychological intervention strategies for coaches, enabling them to assist athletes in regulating their mental state and ultimately enhancing their competitive performance. Additionally, the study serves as a valuable reference for future research, significantly contributing to the advancement of mental health among young sprinters.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-07-23 22:12:05","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4659687/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"dac7999c-e1a4-4e99-823d-5159506c3f36","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 23rd, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-07-31T13:41:40+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-07-23 22:12:05","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4659687","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4659687","identity":"rs-4659687","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}