Psychological Characteristics of Futsal Players During In-Season Period in Futsal Thai League : The Coping Skills

Abstract

           This study aimed to investigate the psychological characteristics of futsal athletes during the competitive season, focusing on sport stress management skills. The sample consisted of 22 futsal athletes from the SBAC North Bangkok Futsal Club, aged between 19 and 30 years, selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument was the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI), adapted into Thai by Supatcharin Panuthai (2016). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Independent Samples t-test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, with the statistical significance level set at .05.

            The results revealed that: (1) futsal athletes demonstrated relatively high levels of sport stress management skills, with the highest mean scores in self-confidence and achievement motivation, goal setting and mental preparation, and freedom from worry; (2) athletes of different age groups showed statistically significant differences in coping with adversity, coachability, concentration, and self-confidence, with athletes aged 19–23 showing stronger problem-solving and concentration, while those aged 24–30 demonstrated higher coachability and achievement motivation; and (3) age, training patterns, and mental training were significantly related to several dimensions of stress management, particularly Freedom from worry, Coping with adversity, concentration, and Confidence and achievement motivation. Therefore, coaches and athletes should emphasize psychological skills training programs to enhance self-confidence, emotional regulation, coachability, and optimal concentration for improved athletic performance.