AIM: The objective of the study was to examine self-esteem, anxiety level and
coping strategies among secondary school students in relation to their
involvement in organized sports.
METHODS: The sample included 280 Slovenian male and female secondary school
students aged between 15 and 19 years. The participants completed The Adolescent
Coping Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the PSDQ
Selfesteem Scale.
RESULTS: Participants engaged in organized sports exhibited higher self-esteem
scores and lower anxiety scores in comparison to non-sport participants.
Differences between the two groups have also been identified with respect to the
use of certain coping strategies. Sport participants reported more productive
coping than non-sport participants, which represents an active and
problem-focused approach to dealing with everyday problems. Gender differences in
the referred variables have also been studied, with female athletes exhibiting
higher levels of anxiety than male athletes. Female participants were also found
to use more non-productive coping than males, focused mainly on reducing
emotional effects of stress.