Sport Psychology Studies

Sport Psychology Studies

Psychological Effects of Change Drivers on Performance and Motivation of Iraqi Handball Athletes

Document Type : Original research

Authors
Khamas Karim Khamas 1
Mina Mostahfezian 2
Yaser Mahmoud Wahbi Al-Makadami 3
Rasoul Nazari 4
1 PhD student in Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Diyala University, Baqubah, Iraq.
4 Associate Professor of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
10.22089/spsyj.2025.17798.2555
Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of change drivers on the performance and motivation of athletes in the Iraqi Handball Premier League.
Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in terms of its objective. The data collection method was a survey, and the research instruments included a researcher-made questionnaire to measure the psychological effects of change, along with the standard Sports Motivation Questionnaire (SMS-II) and the Athlete Performance Questionnaire by Charbonneau et al. (2001). The statistical population of the study included all players of the teams present in the Iraqi Handball Premier League, who were selected using a census sampling method. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling with PLS software) were used to analyze the data.
Findings: The results showed that the psychological effects of change drivers have an effect on athletes' motivation, indicating a strong and positive relationship between the two variables. Additionally, the psychological effects of change drivers have an effect on athletes' performance, indicating a strong and positive relationship between the two variables. Therefore, the research findings showed that the psychological effects of change drivers have a positive and significant relationship with athletes' motivation and performance, affecting athletes' performance through increased stress and anxiety, adaptation challenges, and reduced concentration, while social support and cognitive flexibility act as positive moderating factors.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that proper management of changes, along with psychological support and strengthening athletes' cognitive flexibility, can reduce the negative effects of changes and help improve their performance and maintain their motivation. Overall, the results of this study can serve as an appropriate basis for psychological planning in professional sports teams.
Keywords
Change Management
Stress and Anxiety
Social Support
Handball
Subjects
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Sport Psychology Studies
Volume 15, Issue 57
Summer 2026
Pages 19-31