Regression models of coaches' coping behaviors under adverse conditions of sports activities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine regression models of coaches' coping behaviors under adverse conditions of sports activities. Меthods: The study involved randomly selected coaches (n = 100) who were engaged in sports activities and pursuing a degree. Valid psychodiagnostic instruments and standardized statistical coefficients were used for data analysis. Results: A petal diagram illustrating the coping profiles of coaches with varying levels of mental strain was created. It showed that "Confrontive coping," "Distancing," "Selfcontrolling," "Seeking social support," "Escape-avoidance," and "Planful problem-solving" differed significantly among the groups with different levels of mental strain (g1, g2, g3; p < .050). No significant differences were found for "Accepting responsibility" and "Positive reappraisal" (p ≥ .050). Coaches with a low level of mental strain tend to employ the coping strategies "Planful problem-solving" and "Accepting responsibility". The shares of these predictors in the model are 34.7% (R2 = .346) and 32.7% (R2 = .327), respectively. The share of "Positive reappraisal" in the regression model for coaches with a medium level of mental strain is 79.9% (R2 = .799), and that of "Seeking social support" is 36.7% (R2 = .366). The share of “Distancing” in the model is relatively small – 3.31% (R2 = .033). Coaches with a high level of mental strain tend to employ the coping strategy “Accepting responsibility”. The share of this predictor in the model is 49.5% (R2 = .495). Discussion and conclusions. Multiple regression analysis was utilised to identify coping strategies most closely associated with the level of mental strain. The impact of coping strategies on mental strain varies considerably depending on its level. Problem-focused strategies are effective for coaches with a low level of mental strain. However, accepting too much responsibility can cause additional strain. The coping strategy "Planful problem-solving" is associated with lower mental strain, and "Accepting responsibility" raises it. Emotion-focused strategies (reappraisal and distancing) are less effective for coaches with medium mental strain, whereas social support is a leading defence resource. In high-pressure situations, personal responsibility can be transformed into excessive internal pressure, self-criticism, and self-dissatisfaction, which intensifies stress. The lack of protective factors in the model indicates depleted resources or ineffective coping strategies. Coaches with low and medium levels of mental strain employ adaptive strategies, maintaining an optimal level of resource mobilisation. Respondents with a high level of mental strain commonly employ maladaptive strategies, which is a reason for special work aimed at developing stress resistance and flexible coping mechanisms in coaches.