A Study on the Anxiety of Takraw Athletes from Ramkhamhaeng University During the 48th National University Games in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to achieve two primary objectives: (1) To investigate the anxiety levels among Ramkhamhaeng University Sepak Takraw athletes participating in the 48th University Games of Thailand, and ( 2) To analyze the underlying causes of anxiety among these athletes during the games. The study encompassed a population of 20 Ramkhamhaeng Sepak Takraw athletes. Research instruments consisted of (1) The Competition State Anxiety Inventory – 2 (CSAI-2) and (2) Structured interviews exploring situational anxiety experienced by the Ramkhamhaeng Sepak Takraw athletes. These tools underwent evaluation by three experts to determine item-objective congruence, achieving scores ranging between 0.6 and 1.0.

Results indicated that both the mental (μ = 15.3, σ = 4.791) and physical (μ = 13.6, σ = 3.283) dimensions of anxiety levels among Ramkhamhaeng Sepak Takraw athletes were low. Additionally, the study revealed that self-confidence also stood at a low level (μ = 14.6, σ = 7.161). The qualitative analysis of anxiety interviews unveiled the following findings: (1) Athletes exhibited low anxiety levels attributed to their lack of outcome expectations and extensive experience; ( 2) Key sources of anxiety included training schedules, Sepak Takraw skills, and the competitive environment; ( 3) Athletes employed coping strategies such as positive self-talk and mental imagery to enhance self-confidence, focusing on present experiences rather than dwelling on past errors.