Modeling Structural Equation of Relationship Between Emotional Regulation and Self-Motivation and Their Impact on Athletic Performance Under Competitive Pressure Among Elite Athletes

Abstract

This study aims to analyze structural relationships between emotional regulation and intrinsic motivation and their impact on athletic performance under competitive pressure among elite athletes, using structural equation modeling. A descriptive approach was used with causal relationships, and the sample was a hypothetical number of athletes who were involved in official competitions. A set of validated psychological scales were used to assess emotional regulation, intrinsic motivation and pressure skills performance. The results indicated that emotional regulation had a statistically significant positive direct effect on the intrinsic motivation, whereas emotional regulation and intrinsic motivation had a positive direct effect on athletic performance under competitive pressure. Another indirect effect in which emotional regulation mediated between the two variables of athletic performance and intrinsic motivation was also found. Structural model's quality indicators showed good fit to data, supporting validity of proposed model. The results underscore the significance of the ability to regulate emotions in athletes, which is crucial for fostering self-motivation and performance in demanding competitive environments. According to the study, psychological training programs should be embedded into athletes' training plans, concentrating on the important processes of regulating emotions and building up self-motivation to reach optimal performance.

Keywords: Modeling Structural Equation, Emotional Regulation, Self-Motivation, Competitive Pressure, Elite Athletes.