Influence of Competition Related Stress on Student Athletes' Track Performance in Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

The main purpose of this study was to analyze influence of Competition Related Stress on Student Athletes’ Track Performance in Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design targeting 3,584 form two and three students in secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. A sample of 351 students was drawn using purposive and stratified random sampling. Data was collected through structured self-administered questionnaires. Hypothesis was tested using regression analysis of .05 level of significance. Data was analyzed by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer package Version 22.0. The findings of this study may enable coaches to come up with appropriate mechanisms that may help athletes manage their stress effectively. Similarly it may help secondary schools in Kenya institute appropriate interventions to help athletes cope with the stress associated with their sporting careers. The study will also help in building on existing literature related to sources of stress, coping strategies and school based interventions among students athlete in secondary schools. The study will also suggest areas of further research that will create ground for researchers interested in the topic, thus contributing to the expansion of knowledge in the field of counseling psychology. The study established that competition related stress negatively influences track performance among athletes in secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education in Conjunction with Department of Sports of the Ministry of Social Services should develop Secondary School Sports Policy with Sports Stress Management Guidelines to help manage the emerging sports related stress in Secondary Schools in Kenya. Copies of the policy should be availed in all Secondary Schools in Kenya for use by both Games Masters and Teacher Counsellors ion the Schools