Personal resources and nutritional behavior of polish basketball players

Abstract

Problem statement: In our research, the predictive significance of personal resources on the quality of food choices is indicated. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the localisation of sense of health control and the intensity of generalised self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, and nutritional behaviour of Polish basketball players. Approach of the research: This study was conducted on 165 high sport level players (23.44 ± 3.74 years). The following research tools were used: an original, author-designed, validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire (which refers to the recommendations of the Swiss sports nutrition pyramid), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyse the results. Results: This study confirmed that the intensity of rational eating behaviours among basketball players increased along with an increase in internal health control (p = 0.014), compared to that localised by chance (p = 0.006), and the generalised sense of self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Regarding the quality of eating habits, insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products (including fermented dairy products) was demonstrated, as well as the lack of limitation of animal fats in athletes’ diets. Conclusions: Among high sport level Polish basketball players, significant correlations were observed between specific personal resources and the level of proper nutritional behaviours. More rational food choices were associated with more intense internal and external (localised) health control and a higher sense of self-efficacy.