The Relationship between Psychological Factors and Performance Level in Female Football

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to see if there were significant differences in female football players' psychological factors across performance levels. We also investigated whether the same differences could predict at what level female football players compete. Method: The study involved a sample of 188 female football players across three performance levels. Data were collected by five questionnaires, each related to one of the following psychological variables Motivation, Grit, Mental Toughness, Perceived Mastery Climate, and Self-regulation. Results: Results from a Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA showed significant differences between performance levels in mastery climate, amotivation, evaluation, and external regulation. There were no significant differences between grit or mental toughness and performance levels. Discussion: These findings suggest that there are differences in scores of psychological factors between levels, although high levels of these psychological factors do not necessarily correspond with higher performance levels.