CORRELATION BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS OF YOUNG ATHLETES AND THEIR LEVEL OF SELF- EFFICACY

Abstract

The purpose is to examine a correlation of personality traits of young athletes with different levels of selfefficacy components (n=114). We assume that self-efficacy of young athletes depends on their personality traits. However, there are differences in the research participants with high and low levels of self-efficacy. Research methods: correlation and cluster analyses, valid psycho-diagnostic methods, coefficients for finding statistical differences. The research conducted in Ukraine under conditions of martial law allowed obtaining significant scientific results. Results. The study looks at self-efficacy as an important component of professional training for young athletes. It substantiates the structure of self-efficacy and reveals the essence of its components: “subject activity” (SAS) and “interpersonal communication” (ICS). The research identifies a statistically significant correlation (p<.05; p<.01) of self-efficacy with personality traits of young athletes. It confirms statistically significant differences in the young athletes of Group 1 and Group 2 by scale SAS (t = 29.445, p=.000); Group I and Group II by scale ICS (t = 5.453, p=.000). The study lists traits which are equally important for the formation of self-efficacy by two components, namely: a high level of the development of sociability (R = .279, p<0.01; R = .477, p<.01); even-temperedness (R = .262, p<.01; R = .195, p<.05) and openness (R = .215, p<.05; R = .195, p<.05) and a low level of neuroticism (R = -.393, p<.01; R = -.281, p<.01); depressiveness (R = -.287, p<.01; R = -.192, p<.05) and emotional lability (R = -.454, p<.01; R = -.284, p<.01). At the same time, masculinity is important for subject activity (SAS) (R = .319, p<.01), and extraversion is important for interpersonal communication (ICS) (r = .394, p<.01). Conclusions. The obtained results show one of the methods for operationalization of the problem-solving process in professional training for athletes. Understanding of the role of personality traits in increasing self-efficacy will help trainers develop the process of preparing young athletes for competitions successfully, taking into consideration the features of their selfawareness, form their mental toughness and constructive aggression in sports. The research on self-efficacy is promising in the context of improving professional skills of young athletes.