A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COMPETITION ANXIETY AMONG PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND NON-PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

This study investigates the differences in competition anxiety between physical education and non-physical education students in Uttar Pradesh. A total of 100 male students aged 20 to 27 years were randomly selected, with 50 participants from physical education backgrounds and 50 from non-physical education backgrounds. The study employed the Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) developed by Rainer Martens to measure competition anxiety as the dependent variable. An independent ‘t’ test was conducted to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of confidence. The findings revealed that physical education students exhibited significantly higher competition anxiety levels (M = 26.71, SD = 0.91) compared to non-physical education students (M = 18.95, SD = 1.08). Factors such as frequent exposure to competitive environments, pressure to perform, and fear of failure contribute to this heightened anxiety. The study underscores the need for psychological interventions such as mindfulness training, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help students manage competition-related stress. Future research should examine gender-based variations, cultural influences, and the effectiveness of anxiety management interventions.

Keywords: COMPETITION ANXIETY, PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, NON-PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, INDEPENDENT ‘t” RATIO.