Perceived social support from team-mates: Direct and stress-buffering effects on self-confidence

Authors: Freeman, P. and Rees, T.

Journal: European Journal of Sport Science

Volume: 10

Issue: 1

Pages: 59-67

eISSN: 1536-7290

ISSN: 1746-1391

DOI: 10.1080/17461390903049998

Abstract:

In this study, we wished to determine whether the perceived support available from team-mates predicts levels of selfconfidence. Four dimensions of support were examined: emotional, esteem, informational, and tangible. The sample consisted of 152 university athletes (74 females, 78 males) with a mean age of 20.1 years (s = 1.4). Participants completed measures of perceived support, stressors, and self-confidence at the training session before an important match. Moderated hierarchical regression analyses revealed that all four dimensions of support had direct effects on self-confidence (ΔR2 =0.13-0.17, all P < 0.01), with support positively predicting self-confidence. Perceived emotional (ΔR2 =0.05, P < 0.05), esteem (ΔR2 =0.02, P < 0.05), and informational (ΔR2 =0.03, P < 0.05) support also had stress-buffering effects on selfconfidence. The findings suggest that although university athletes perceived different levels of emotional, esteem, informational, and tangible support to be available from their team-mates, all four dimensions of support positively predicted self-confidence. © 2010 European College of Sport Science.

Source: Scopus