Psychological characteristics and skills of junior competitive swimmers

Research has consistently found that psychological factors influence sport performance and athletic talent development (Collins & MacNamara, 2012). Most of this research has focused on the psychological underpinnings of elite adult athletes rather than youth athletes. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the psychological characteristics and skills of competitive junior swimmers across age, gender, and ability. Online surveys that included established measures of psychological skills and characteristics were completed by 278 competitive swimmers at a year-round swim club. Age x gender x ability univariate and multivariate results revealed the participants rated themselves within the top third of scores on most of the psychological characteristics and skills assessed, including grit and growth mindset. In terms of coping skills, the participants averaged moderate scores (M = 43.48), with some specific coping skills (coping with adversity, goal setting/mental preparation, peaking under pressure, and freedom from worry) falling below the midpoint of possible scores. Males perceived significantly better overall coping skills (Mtotal = 46.16) than females (Mtotal = 41.05). An age x ability interaction was found for several measures. Within the higher ability or elite track, the oldest participants scored significantly lower than the younger participants on almost all the assessments, whereas in the lower ability or challenge track, participants’ scores tended to increase with age on most assessments. Responses to a question about why swimmers found self-selected psychological factors important to their success, revealed that many struggled with confidence and anxiety. Survey results suggested some differences related to age, gender and ability, and ratings and open-ended responses indicate that swimmers consider psychological skills important and helpful in dealing with stress and anxiety