Anxiety, self-confidence, and self-esteem in relation to competitive coping profiles: a multivariate analysis

Abstract

Objective This study examined the relationships between self-esteem, competitive state anxiety, and coping strategies in Tunisian junior middle- and long-distance runners, with a focus on gender differences. Methods A cross-sectional design was used with 156 athletes (76 males, 80 females; age: 18–19 years). Self-esteem, competitive state anxiety, and coping strategies were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, CSAI-2R, and ISCCS. Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent (α = 0.70–0.92). Given severe multicollinearity between cognitive and somatic anxiety (r = 0.83; VIF = 38.41–39.59), analyses included multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression models, complemented by relative importance analysis and bootstrap confidence intervals. Results Athletes reported moderate levels of cognitive anxiety (M = 12.36 ± 3.57) and somatic anxiety (M = 12.97 ± 3.74), and relatively higher self-confidence (M = 13.10 ± 3.76). Mental imagery was the most frequently used coping strategy (M = 12.00 ± 4.75), whereas social withdrawal was the least used (M = 7.38 ± 2.75). Correlation analyses showed that anxiety dimensions were positively associated with maladaptive coping and negatively associated with adaptive coping, whereas self-confidence and self-esteem showed the opposite pattern (all p < 0.01). MANOVA indicated a significant multivariate effect of predictors on coping profiles [Wilks’ Λ = 0.18, F(9, 448.6) = 38.99, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.44], with significant effects for cognitive anxiety (η2p = 0.10), somatic anxiety (η2p = 0.06), self-confidence (η2p = 0.19), and self-esteem (η2p = 0.29). Regression models explained 71% of the variance in task-oriented coping, 70% in disengagement coping, and 55% in distraction coping. However, multicollinearity between anxiety dimensions resulted in unstable regression coefficients. Relative importance analysis indicated that self-confidence was the strongest predictor of task-oriented (71.3%) and distraction coping (64.6%), whereas self-esteem predicted all coping dimensions (22–25% of explained variance). Conclusion Self-confidence and self-esteem are key determinants of coping strategies in junior runners. However, multicollinearity limits interpretation of the unique effects of anxiety dimensions. These findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions aimed at enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem to promote adaptive coping in youth sport.