Group counselling–based psychological skills training reduces competitive anxiety and enhances athletic performance among student-athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.119177Keywords:
psychological skills training, group counseling , competitive anxiety, athletic performance, student-athletesAbstract
Introduction: Competitive anxiety is a common psychological challenge among student-athletes and may undermine performance consistency in educational sport settings. Although Psychological Skills Training (PST) has been widely used to improve emotional regulation and performance, its delivery through counselling-based group interventions remains underexamined in school and university sport programs.
Methods: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group counselling–based PST in reducing competitive anxiety and improving athletic performance among student-athletes. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted with 75 student-athletes involved in organized sport training. Participants were assigned to an experimental group receiving a six-week group counselling–based PST intervention or to a control group continuing regular training. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, while athletic performance was measured using a standardized performance index. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The findings showed that the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower competitive anxiety and significantly higher athletic performance than the control group. Large effect sizes were observed for both outcomes, indicating that the intervention produced meaningful psychological and performance-related benefits.
Conclusion: Group counselling–based PST appears to be an effective, accessible, and practical psychological intervention for student-athletes. Its integration into educational sport programs may strengthen psychological readiness and improve performance stability in competitive settings.
References
Bellg, A. J., Borrelli, B., Resnick, B., Hecht, J., Minicucci, D. S., Ory, M., Ogedegbe, G., Orwig, D., Ernst, D., & Czajkowski, S. (2004). Enhancing treatment fidelity in health behavior change studies: best practices and recommendations from the NIH Behavior Change Consortium. Health Psychology, 23(5), 443.
Brown, N. W. (2018). Psychoeducational groups: Process and practice. Routledge.
Chang, M., Büchel, D., Reinecke, K., Lehmann, T., & Baumeister, J. (2022). Ecological validity in exercise neuroscience research: A systematic investigation. European Journal of Neuroscience, 55(2), 487–509. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15595
Cohen, J. (2013). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. routledge.
Daltry, R. M., Mehr, K. E., & Keenan, L. (2023). Student-athletes and counseling services: Recommendations for identifying and developing referral sources. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 37(2), 196–207. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2021.1957338
Dennis, D. D. K., Nopembri, S., & Purnomo, E. (2023). Relationship between anxiety levels and the performance of early adolescent athletic athletes in trirace numbers. Retos, 48, 742–748. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v48.97269
Eckenrod, M., & Kossman, M. K. (2025). Working With and Through Athletic Trainers to Meet Student-Athletes’ Mental Performance and Mental Health Needs. Journal of Athletic Training, 60(1), 88–91. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0132.24
Edmizal, E., Donie, D., Barlian, E., Welis, W., Sin, T. H., Umar, U., Padli, P., Ahmed, M., Haryanto, J., & Bhatnagar, P. (2025). Effect of psychological skills training on reaction time and strategic thinking in competitive badminton-a systematic review. Retos, 62, 439–453. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v62.110746
Fogaca, J. L. (2021). Combining mental health and performance interventions: Coping and social support for student-athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 33(1), 4–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2019.1648326
Gee, J. W. De, Mridha, Z., Hudson, M., Jiang, H., Zhang, W., & Mcginley, M. J. (2024). Article Strategic stabilization of arousal boosts sustained attention Strategic stabilization of arousal boosts sustained attention. Current Biology, 34(18), 4114-4128.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.070
Izzati, U. A., Hidayah, N., Hidayat, H., Fitriyah, F. K., Nuryono, W., Winingsih, E., & Daud, W. A. A. W. (2026). Social Support and Psychological Well-being Among Islamic Private Junior High School Students. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 233–247. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v7i1.1856
Kara, E., Türküm, A. S., & Turner, M. J. (2023). The effects of rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) group counselling program on competitive anxiety of student-athletes. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 41(2), 362–379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-023-00497-z
Khammar, A., Yarahmadi, M., & Madadizadeh, F. (2020). What Is Analysis of Covariance ( ANCOVA ) and How to Correct- ly Report Its Results in Medical Research? Iranian Journal of Public Health, 49(5), 1016–1017.
Lange-smith, S., Cabot, J., Coffee, P., Gunnell, K., Tod, D., Cabot, J., Coffee, P., & Gunnell, K. (2024). The efficacy of psychological skills training for enhancing performance in sport : a review of reviews. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2023.2168725
Li, H., Yang, Q., & Wang, B. (2025). Effects of psychological interventions on anxiety in athletes : a meta-analysis based on controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychology, August. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1621635
Lochbaum, M., Stoner, E., Hefner, T., Cooper, S., Lane, A. M., & Terry, P. C. (2022). Sport psychology and performance meta-analyses: A systematic review of the literature. PloS One, 17(2), e0263408. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263408
Lulu, Z. (2025). Effect of emotional regulation on performance of shooters during competition : An ecological momentary assessment study. PLOS One, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318872
Madison, M. J., & Bradshaw, L. (2018). Evaluating intervention effects in a diagnostic classification model framework. Journal of Educational Measurement, 55(1), 32–51. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jedm.12162
Maestroni, L., Turner, A., Papadopoulos, K., & others. (2023). Total Score of Athleticism: Profiling Strength and Power Characteristics in Professional Soccer. American Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465231194778
Mao, Z. (2025). Advancements in research on psychological and emotional aspects of student-athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, October, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1645177
Metin, A., & Dougan, T. (2023). Counsellors as a client: group counselling. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 51(1), 162–176. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2020.1860190
Moreland, J. J., Coxe, K. A., & Yang, J. (2017). Collegiate athletes ’ mental health services utilization : A systematic review of conceptualizations , operationalizations , facilitators , and barriers. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 7(1), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2017.04.009
Neumann, D. L., Piatkowski, T. M., Mof, R. L., & Minahan, C. L. (2024). Perceived bene fi ts and receptivity to sport psychology consulting services of elite athletes in developing nations of the Oceania region. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231188455
O’Donoghue, P. O. (2009). RESEARCH METHODS FOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS Research Methods for Sports Performance Analysis. Routledge.
Ong, N. C. H., & Chua, J. H. E. (2021). Effects of psychological interventions on competitive anxiety in sport: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 52, 101836. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101836
Park, I. (2023). Psychological Skills Training for Athletes in Sports : Web of Science Bibliometric Analysis. Healthcare. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11020259
Peng, F., & Zhang, L. (2021). The Relationship of Competitive Cognitive Anxiety and Motor Performance : Testing the Moderating Effects of Goal Orientations and Self-Efficacy Among Chinese Collegiate Basketball Players. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(June), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.685649
Purnomo, E., Aisyah, S., Hadjarati, H., Azis, A. C. K., Suardika, I. K., Jermaina, N., Nurkhoiroh, N., & Gumilar, A. (2024). The Coach’s Role in Understanding the Athletes’ Condition: Maximizing Communication Functions. Retos, 55, 543–551. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v55.105991
Rahayu, D. S., Atmoko, A., Muslihati, M., Setiyowati, A. J., Jaafar, W. M. W., Septiana, N. Z., Setyorini, S., Andrianie, S., & Hikmy, B. J. (2026). Yoga practice and compassion fatigue among Indonesian school counselors: a cross-sectional survey. Retos, 78, 757–766. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118844
Ramli, M., Saputra, N. M. A., Hidayah, N., Eva, N., Afandi, N. H., & Arianti, A. E. (2025). Cebesla Application: Solution-Focused Counseling Platform Based on Pancasila Values for Students’ Cultural Intelligence. 2025 11th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET), 439–444. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICET67257.2025.11290786
Reinebo, G., Alfonsson, S., Jansson, M., Alexander, F., & Lundgren, T. (2024). Effects of Psychological Interventions to Enhance Athletic Performance : A Systematic Review and Meta ‑ Analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(2), 347–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01931-z
Rihana, N., Wita, A., & Gonzales, A. (2025). From Isolation to Interaction : Group Counseling as a Pathway to Better Social Skills in Young Learners. Ournal of Early Childhood Education and Teaching (JECET), 1(2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.64840/jecet.v1i2.40
Röthlin, P., Horvath, S., Trösch, S., Holtforth, M., & Birrer, D. (2020). Differential and shared effects of psychological skills training and mindfulness training on performance- relevant psychological factors in sport : a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychology, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00449-7
Sandars, J., Jenkins, L., Church, H., Patel, R., Rumbold, J., Maden, M., Patel, M., Henshaw, K., Brown, J., Sandars, J., Jenkins, L., Church, H., Patel, R., Rumbold, J., Maden, M., Patel, M., Henshaw, K., & Brown, J. (2022). Applying sport psychology in health professions education : A systematic review of performance mental skills training Applying sport psychology in health professions education : A systematic review of performance mental skills training. Medical Teacher, 44(1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2021.1966403
Schweickle, M. J., Graupensperger, S., Liddelow, C., Sutcliffe, J. T., Swann, C., & Vella, S. A. (2024). Potential moderators and mediators of intervention effects in a sport-based mental health literacy and resilience program for adolescent men. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 36(1), 119–138.
Singh, J. (2025). Developing Psychological Resilience in Athletes: Implications for Physical Education. National Development, 38(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.62047/JND.2025.06.30.25
Smith, R. E., Smoll, F. L., Cumming, S. P., & Grossbard, J. R. (2006). Measurement of multidimensional sport performance anxiety in children and adults: The Sport Anxiety Scale-2. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 28(4), 479–501. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.28.4.479
Thrower, S. N., Barker, J. B., Bruton, A. M., Coffee, P., Harwood, C. G., Howells, K., Knight, C. J., Paul, J., Mellalieu, S. D., Thrower, S. N., Barker, J. B., Bruton, A. M., Coffee, P., Harwood, C. G., Howells, K., Knight, C. J., & Mccarthy, P. J. (2024). Enhancing wellbeing , long-term development , and performance in youth sport : Insights from experienced applied sport psychologists working with young athletes in the United Kingdom. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 36(3), 519–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2023.2274464
Toding, N., Mufidah, E. F., Muslifar, R., Setiawan, A., & others. (2026). From rumination to reappraisal: Cognitive targets for psychiatric nurses in managing externalized anger among adolescents. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152049
Walter, N., Nikoleizig, L., & Alfermann, D. (2019). Effects of Self-Talk Training on Competitive Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Volitional Skills, and Performance: An Intervention Study with Junior Sub-Elite Athletes. Sports, 1, 1–20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7060148
Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2023). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human kinetics.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Novita Toding, Arbin Janu Setiyowati, Nur Hidayah, Yuliati Hotifah, Elia Firda Mufidah, Jessica Ong Hai Liaw
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and ensure the magazine the right to be the first publication of the work as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of authorship of the work and the initial publication in this magazine.
- Authors can establish separate additional agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (eg, to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Is allowed and authors are encouraged to disseminate their work electronically (eg, in institutional repositories or on their own website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as to a subpoena more Early and more of published work (See The Effect of Open Access) (in English).
This journal provides immediate open access to its content (BOAI, http://legacy.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/boaifaq.htm#openaccess) on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The authors may download the papers from the journal website, or will be provided with the PDF version of the article via e-mail.
