Comparative analyses of psychological and training characteristics in judo competitors and non-competitors: Mental strength, self-efficacy, grit, resilience, self-control, aggression, mental health, and life satisfaction

Abstract

Judokas competing at the national and Olympic levels rigorously engage in numerous daily and weekly training sessions, potentially influencing the athletes’ mental conditioning. Based on the nature of competition, peak physical and mental conditioning is a prerequisite to achieve the highest place on the podium. This study investigated the differences in training characteristics, mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, aggression, life satisfaction, and mental health disorders between judo competitors and non-competitors. A total of 146 judo athletes (77.4% male) from 18 to 45 years of age, representing 60 competitors (41.1%) 86 noncompetitors (58.9%) participated in this study. Judokas answered training-related questions followed by the Mental Strength Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Grit Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Brief Self-Control Scale, Brief Aggression Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Health Disorders Screening Instrument for Athletes. Results showed that competitors were younger (p = .007; medium effect) and reported higher training frequency (p = .012; medium effect) and volume (p = .005; medium effect) than non-competitors. No statistically significant differences were found in mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, aggression, life satisfaction and mental health disorders between competitors and non-competitors. Significant positive relationships were found between judo training experience and resilience, grit, self-efficacy, selfcontrol, and life satisfaction. Moreover, a significant negative relationship was found between judo training experience and mental health disorders. In conclusion, judo competitors presented higher training frequency and volume and were younger than non-competitors. Judo competitors present similar psychological characteristics that non-competitors. In addition, more experienced judo athletes were more likely to present higher resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, life satisfaction and lower mental health disorders.