RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONAL EMOTIONAL REGULATION ON PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY ATHLETES IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

In the field of sport, repeated and regular physical skills training and practice is not considered as the only key factor for achieving peak performance among athletes. Apart from physical, tactical abilities and professional skills, psychological characteristics are vital ingredients for athletic success. This study therefore examined the influence of interpersonal emotional regulation on performance of University athletes in North-Central Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The study population comprised University athletes in North-Central Nigeria. Voluntary and quota sampling techniques were used to select fifty athletes (50) from six (6) sports. The research instrument was standardize modified Sport Emotional-Reaction Profile Questionnaire (SERP). Multiple regression statistic was used to analyze the data. Based on the findings, there was significant relationship among individual attraction (group), group integration (task) and confidence and performance of the University athletes. The study recommends that to improve university athletes’ performance, coaches should motivate the athletes by using positive interpersonal emotional strategies such as praises and thumbs up to reinforce good performances. Furthermore, emphasis should not be solely on physical training but should also incorporate psychological strategies.