Coping and resilient factors in times of COVID-19: A study with adolescent boxers

Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyze the resilient factors, exploring the stressful experiences in the sports context, as well as the adaptation process due to the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescent boxers. A mixed method study with DEXPLIS sequential design was developed in a sample of 36 boxers (78% men and 22% women), with age range between 14 and 18 years (M = 16.14 ± 1.37). From the quantitative approach, the following questionnaires were applied: Resilience Scale in the Sports Context, Perceived Stress Scale, and Inventory of Coping Strategies; Regarding the qualitative approach, an ad hoc interview was applied. Reliability, means, and standard deviation were analyzed, complemented with thematic analysis. The results (Quan-Qual) show moderate level for resilience factors (Personal Competence and Acceptance of Self and Life), highlighting qualities such as self-confidence, persistence, and focus. The perceived stress related to the sport life of the athletes (competitive situation) were located at a moderate level. A tendency to maladaptive coping was identified such as avoidance responses, negative thoughts, and difficulty for emotional self-regulation. While cognitive restructuring was identified at a medium level and emotional expression at a low level with respect to adaptive coping. Finally, they expressed difficulties in coping with the pandemic situation. In conclusion, boxers have psychologically experienced the change in life derived from the pandemic, meaning a challenge for sport psychology that must develop intervention proposals aimed at promoting adaptability through resilience in these moments of global crisis and for the future. return to normal.