The Role of Social Comparison Orientation, Self-Efficacy, and Competitive Anxiety in Enhancing Athletic Performance: A Psychological Model

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 Assistant professor

2 Damghan University

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of social comparison orientation on athletic performance, considering the mediating roles of self-efficacy and competitive anxiety among athletes.
Methods & Materials: The research was conceptually grounded in a model that explored the direct and indirect psychological determinants of athletic performance. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the study involved 214 student-athletes (123 males and 91 females) participating in the 16th National Cultural-Sports Olympiad for University Students. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing social comparison orientation, general self-efficacy, competitive anxiety, and athletic performance. Structural equation modeling and Sobel tests were employed for analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that social comparison orientation significantly influenced athletic performance directly and indirectly. The mediating role of self-efficacy was stronger than that of competitive anxiety. Specifically, self-efficacy positively and competitive anxiety negatively impacted athletic performance. Moreover, social comparison orientation positively affected self-efficacy while negatively influencing competitive anxiety. These results indicate that social comparison orientation can effectively enhance athletic performance by boosting self-efficacy and mitigating the adverse effects of competitive anxiety.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of psychological interventions in managing factors associated with athletic performance. Coaches and sports psychologists are encouraged to implement strategies aimed at strengthening self-efficacy and reducing competitive anxiety. Additionally, longitudinal studies are recommended to examine the stability of these relationships across different age groups and levels of athletic expertise.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sport Psychology Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 June 2025

  • Receive Date 17 December 2024
  • Revise Date 21 May 2025
  • Accept Date 10 June 2025