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e‑ISSN 2148-905X Open Access · CC BY 4.0
Vol. 12 · Issue 3 · 2025 Dec 31, 2025 Research Article

Investigation of Sportive Self-Confidence and Psychological Skill Levels of Underwater Hockey Athletes

TS
Tugba Sahin Kostur Corresponding Istanbul Topkapi University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul tuba.skostur@hotmail.com Turkey
GY
Gulsum Yilmaz Istanbul Topkapi University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul Turkey
Pages343-355 PublishedDec 31, 2025 LicenseOpen Access
PDF (Türkçe)
VOL 12 · ISS 3 · 2025 Sportive Perspective: Journal of Sports and Educational Sciences View issue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the levels of sport confidence and psychological skills of underwater hockey athletes differ according to gender, age, educational level, and athletic identity. The study group consisted of a total of 361 underwater hockey athletes, including 217 females and 144 males, who were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a Personal Information Form, the Sport Confidence Inventory, and the Psychological Skills Assessment Scale for Athletes. The findings revealed that the sport confidence and psychological skill levels of underwater hockey athletes showed statistically significant differences across the examined variables. In terms of age, athletes aged 20 years and younger exhibited significantly higher sport confidence levels than those aged 21-35 and 36 years and older. With respect to educational level, athletes holding master’s and doctoral degrees displayed higher levels of sport confidence, whereas those with a bachelor’s degree exhibited higher psychological skill levels than other groups. Regarding athletic identity, licensed underwater hockey athletes showed significantly higher sport confidence and psychological skill levels compared to amateur athletes. Furthermore, a positive and strong statistically significant relationship was found between sport confidence and psychological skill levels among underwater hockey athletes. In conclusion, the results indicate that male athletes have higher sport confidence and psychological skill levels than female athletes; athletes aged 20 years and younger demonstrate higher sport confidence compared to other age groups; athletes with postgraduate education exhibit higher sport confidence; and increases in educational level are associated with parallel improvements in psychological skill levels. These findings highlight the critical role of psychological factors in achieving athletic success in underwater hockey.

Keywords

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