SELF-REGULATORY BEHAVIOR STYLES OF JUNIORS IN ACHIEVING WINNING OUTCOMES

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the dominant styles of self-regulatory behavior among junior athletes in their pursuit of winning outcomes. Methods: The research sample comprised juniors aged 15–19 who actively participated in sports and competed at various levels, ranging from regional contests to national championships and international tournaments. Statistical analysis involved empirical data collected from participants who had achieved success in individual sports and had won matches in team sports. The characteristics of the sample population are as follows: n = 154; М = 17.34; SD = ±3.51; Мe = 17.00. The key parameters of the styles of self- regulatory behavior, self-acceptance, the need for sports achievements, and self-efficacy in subject activity and interpersonal communication were determined using valid and reliable psychodiagnostic tools. Results. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) allowed for establishing thirteen direct correlations and one inverse correlation of the styles of self-regulation and self-acceptance with the parameters of a winning outcome (p ≤ .050; p ≤ .010). It was found that planning as a style of junior athletes’ self-regulatory activity has all significant direct correlations with the parameters of a winning outcome. It was established that independence is the most essential characteristic of self-regulation in sporting activities. The absence of correlations in the parameters “modeling” and “programming” does not reduce their value as self-regulation styles but rather reflects their formation in our population sample. Discussion and conclusions. It was substantiated that the research into the styles of junior athletes’ self-regulatory behavior in achieving a winning outcome is an examination of the psychological content parameters of managing one’s psycho-emotional state, which is achieved through verbal, visual, and behavioral means. It was noted that the parameter “evaluating sports results” has one correlation with the need for achievements and no correlation with the other two parameters – self-efficacy in subject activity and self-efficacy in interpersonal communication. It was explained that junior athletes, permanently evaluating their sports achievements, focus too much on their personality, strengths and weaknesses, which is accompanied by the work of defense mechanisms, which do not allow them to properly concentrate on the process of learning and training. It is recommended that the obtained empirical results and theoretical conclusions be used in the education and training process at sports schools for children and youth and junior academies functioning in professional teams