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The investigation of aggressiveness and self-efficacy in karate practitioners as a leisure time activity, as well as in people practicing other types of leisure motor activities. The study was carried out on a sample of 45 people (19-51 years old), almost half of whom practiced karate as a leisure activity. The participants answered two questionnaires on aggression and self-efficacy. Data were also collected on the number of hours practiced over a week. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, difference (t test, U test) and correlation (Spearman) tests. The level of aggression is significantly lower in karate as a leisure activity compared to other study participants. Analysis of gender differences revealed that female participants have higher levels than male participants for anger and hostility, verbal aggression and physical aggression, and for self-efficacy male practitioners have slightly increased levels compared to female participants. Through correlation analysis statistically significant relationships were reported between anger and verbal aggression, hostility and verbal aggression, respectively. The data analysis was completed with the interpretation of marginally significant differences according to the number of hours practiced per week, so that it was observed that the higher the level of self-efficacy, the more hours of karate practiced per week by the participants. Karate practitioners (as a leisure-time motor activity) are better able to control their reactions and emotions compared to those practicing other leisure motor activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the current study was to determine the levels of stress, resilience and the sense of self-efficacy, as well as the influence of resilience and the sense of self-efficacy in shaping stress levels, in a sample of women from various countries of origin. Material and methods. The study was carried out on a sample of Ukrainian (N = 82), Polish (N = 102), Slovak (N = 79), and Romanian (N = 42) women using the Sense of Stress Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale. Results. Highest total stress levels were found among Ukrainian women, while the lowest were found among Polish women. Simultaneously, Ukrainian women reported the lowest resilience and sense of self-efficacy levels, while the highest levels of these variables were reported by Slovak and Polish women, respectively. There were also observable countrydependent differences in the moderating effect of the sense of self-efficacy on the relationship between resilience and stress. Conclusions. The current study fills the gap on the topic of women's stress during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This conflict necessitates further studies on women from Ukraine and from neighbouring countries, together with providing evidence-based support to lower the consequences of experienced stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To win in competition, athletes are inevitably in a position to display certain risky behaviors. The current research examines risk-taking behavior (instrumental risk and stimulating risk) in combat sport athletes, according to gender and sports performances. Also, it aims to verify the role that competitive experience has on athletes' risk-taking behavior. In combat sports, athletes that take calculated and deliberate risks in order to accomplish a certain objective, like winning a competition or obtaining an advantage over rival, are engaging in instrumental risk-taking behaviors, while stimulating risk-taking behavior is impulsive, uncontrollable and short-term oriented. Seventy-one athletes were enrolled in the study, aged between 19 and 35 (Mage = 24.4). The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire for martial artists was used. Analysis of Variance showed that experts/elite athletes registered significantly higher scores for instrumental risk, compared to novices. No gender-related differences in terms of risk-taking behavior were emphasized. Moreover, using linear regression analysis, competitive experience was found to predict combat sport athletes' level of instrumental risk, but not stimulating risk. Furthermore, athletes having more competitive experience take more calculated risks, rational processes and the ability to analyze situations dominating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life means different things to different people, according, also, to the area of application. The aim of the research was to capture the quality of life experienced by young athletes, according to gender, sport performance, and related to the type of sport practiced. 116 athletes participated in the research, practicing individual and team sports. Starting from the Quality of Life Inventory developed by Michael B. Frisch, fifteen life domains were measured. After applying the t test for independent samples, no gender-related differences were observed in terms of perceived quality of life. However, athletes practicing individual sports were significantly more satisfied by their work and creativity (manifested in daily activities), and, also, regarding love and children (as life domains), compared to athletes practicing team sports. Using one-way analysis of variance, the experienced life quality according to the practiced type of sport (football, other team sports, striking combat sports, respectively other individual sports) was examined. Furthermore, data analysis emphasized that athletes with international results express significantly higher levels of satisfaction regarding their self-esteem in life domains such as love and children, compared to athletes who attain local or regional performances. Additionally, they exhibit significantly greater satisfaction with their creativity in daily activities but express less satisfaction with their community, compared to athletes achieving national-level sports results. The findings provide important data to coaches, multi-disciplinary team members and parents on the areas of quality of life that athletes are currently more or less satisfied with. In-depth interviews with athletes are necessary to better understand the differences observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip Hop Culture is a unique and important source of creativity and empowerment for young people. Like other sports, based on motor actions, only in this case mostly performed to music, Street Dance can bring countless benefits to a person's life. Considering the novelty that Street Dance brings, the fact that it is in a continuous development and that young people are more and more attracted by these dance styles, we considered this research beneficial. The scope of the research was to investigate the correlations between working memory, perceived stress and the technical abilities of preadolescent Street Dancers. 12 street dancers, (2 boys and 10 girls), all secondary school students, took part in the study. As a part of the research we used the TIM test (part of the Psiselteva system) to assess working memory, the Delphy method for athletes' technical skills, and the Stress Perception Questionnaire (Makarowski & Plopa, 2010). A significant correlation between street dancers' emotional tension and working memory capacity was found. Also, a positive association between athletes' capacity to store and quickly process data, and athletes' technical skills drew our attention. Future studies should examine this possible link, on a larger number of preadolescent street dance practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyone has implicit biases, no one is immune. The research aimed to explore the automatic/unconscious aggression of athletes and future specialists in the field of education sciences (future teachers). 179 participants were recruited in the current research, aged between 20 and 24. An Implicit Associations Test (IAT) was created for automatic assessment of aggression. Data analysis revealed that more future teachers (20.83%) associated aggression with self (at the unconscious level), when compared to athletes. Recommendations for future teachers who have obtained a positive D score at IAT have been made. However, most of the participants automatically associated aggression with others (not with self). Using ANOVA procedures the differences between groups, in terms of implicit aggression, were investigated. Athletes from team sports (e.g., football, handball) and grappling combat sports (judo, jiu-jitsu) associated aggression with others at the highest level. Also, athletes in heuristic sports (open skills) associated aggression with others at a higher level than athletes practicing algorithmic sports. The IAT results were explained in the light of the specifics of each activity (sports discipline or future teaching activity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature one can find a few studies on race car drivers. The aim of the research was to highlight the resilience level, the aggression level and risk taking behavior among Romanian race car drivers. 30 athletes participated in the study, rally drivers, athletes practicing competitive hill climb racing, drifting and circuit racing. The Brief Resilience Scale, The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire and The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Aggression Questionnaire were used. After applying the Kruskal-Wallis H test, no significant differences were emphasized between sports disciplines (circuit, drift, rally and hill climbing), in terms of the psychological variables examined. However, when athletes were investigated according to age and taking into account the reported ability to concentrate and relax before competitions, significant differences were observed. Race car drivers (in the entire sample) over 18 years old registered a higher score for Foul play and Assertiveness, while athletes who reported a moderate level of concentration during competitions and, also, who declared that are less relaxed before contests, obtained higher values for Foul play. The findings provide valuable data regarding the resilience level, aggression and risk-taking behavior of race car drivers, according to age, sports discipline, perceived level of relaxation and concentration, which can guide specialists in the training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Words have healing potential, but also the potential to inhibit others' behaviors, and sports managers, through their communication and leadership style can contribute to the creation of an organizational climate which facilitates employees' personal and professional development. The purpose of the study was to investigate the communication style and the leadership style preferred by managers working in sport and by future sports managers. Forty-two sports managers (current and future specialists) participated in the research. Communication style was assessed using the Self-Awareness Questionnaire for the Four Ways of Reacting (flight, attack/aggression, manipulation and assertiveness), adapted by Roco (2004), while the LPC (Least preferred co-worker) questionnaire developed by Fiedler was used to diagnose task-oriented (authoritarian) and relationship-oriented (democratic) leadership style. After applying the Mann-Whitney (U) test no significant differences between the two groups of sports managers (current and experienced managers, and future sports managers) were observed, in terms of communication styles. However, with respect to the leadership style, current sports managers reported a higher score in the case of the relationship-oriented leadership style, compared to future specialists. Experienced managers reported that they pay more attention to support and motivate employees, showing a reduced social distance from the subordinates. In the case of future sports managers, the results underline a leadership style that is relatively equally task- and relationship-oriented. Also, using the Pearson correlation, no significant associations were found between the four communication styles and the results for the leadership style, in the case of both investigated groups. Implications of the results were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to highlight the differences in personality features between martial artists who suffered moderate and/or severe injuries and athletes who suffered only minor sports injuries. A sample of 111 senior martial arts athletes (89 males and 22 females) took part in the study, from striking combat sports (boxing, kick-boxing, taekwondo and karate), grappling combat sports (jiu-jitsu and judo), and Mixed Martial Arts. The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Questionnaire for risk-taking behavior, the Romanian adaptation of the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Sports Aggression Questionnaire have been used. Using ANOVA statistical procedures the existing differences between groups (formed with respect to gender and type of sport practiced), in terms of aggression, resilience and risk-taking behavior were examined. Athletes who reported moderate and/or severe injuries (and are more resilient) tend to attack more, are looking for stimulating situations and assume less calculated risks, being, also, more willing to win regardless of the costs and even breaking the rules of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of sports performance, coping skills play a pivotal role, particularly within the stress)inducing environment of sports. The aim of this research was to explore differences between football athletes who had tested positive for COVID-19 and athletes who had not contracted the virus in terms of their utilization of coping strategies. Additionally, differences among countries were investigated, in the case of football players who had, at some point, battled COVID-19. A total of 147 (one hundred and forty-seven) male football players from five European countries - Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania – took part in this study. To assess coping skills, we employed the Brief COPE questionnaire, which encompassed fourteen coping strategies, grouped into three categories: emotion-oriented coping strategies, problem/task-oriented strategies, and dysfunctional coping strategies. Using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparison test, the differences between the five countries were scrutinized, starting from the three dependent variables (the grouped coping strategies). Notably, football athletes from Poland and Romania exhibited a higher frequency of employing emotion-focused coping strategies (during the pandemic). Conversely, athletes from Italy leaned towards employing problem-focused strategies more frequently. No significant differences were observed in terms of dysfunctional coping strategies among football players who had battled COVID-19 across the five countries. We discussed the frequency of using coping strategies among football athletes who reported no infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus (up to the 4 th wave of the pandemic) and those who had experienced COVID-19. The findings are of considerable interest to specialists, raising awareness on the coping skills employed by footballers during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral preference refers to the dominancy of a certain braain quadrant, each quadrant having its own perceptions and language. The aim of the research was to investigate the brain dominance among sports managers and future sports managers. Twenty-eight participants: presidents, directors and managers of sports federations and sports clubs in Romania, and, also, future sports managers (students at the National University of Physical Education and Sport, Bucharest, preparing for a career in sport management) were included in the research. The Cerebral Preference Questionnaire, adapted and reconstructed by Roco (after Herrmann and consulting Chalvin's work on brain dominance assessment) was used. Data analysis revealed that experienced sports managers (ESM) use more the lower right quadrant of the brain, being socially oriented individuals, empathetic, expressive and sensitive to others. In the case of future sports managers (FSM), the results show that they predominantly use the lower left sector of the brain (limbic system), being people who want to form habits and to respect them. Using the Mann-Whitney (U) non-parametric test, possible significant differences between the two groups under investigation (ESM and FSM), in terms of the dominant brain quadrant, were investigated. Experienced sports managers are significantly better at performing logical, analytical, mathematical activities, being, also, significantly more socially oriented individuals, understanding better the reactions of others, comparing to future sports managers. Not least, the relationship between rationality and emotionality and, also, brain's predominant mode of operation (left or right brain hemisphere), in the case of sports managers (present and future) were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School dropout represents a serious problem, being seen as a violation of moral norms. The aims of the investigation were to identify the temperament of pre-teens at risk of school dropout, and also to emphasize differences in temperament considering type of vulnerability. A sample of 302 pre-teens (158 boys and 144 girls), at risk of dropping out of school, took part in the study. The Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire - revised form (EATQ-R), calibrated for the Romanian population, has been used, measuring eleven temperament scales and two behavioral scales. First, the results for the thirteen scales were presented (at group level). With respect to the description of the evaluated constructs of EATQ-R it was underlined the importance of specialists to increase, in the case of preteens at risk of early school leaving: Activation level and Attention, and to decrease: Frustration, Fear, Aggression and Depressive Mood. Through single-factor multivariate analysis of variances, the types of vulnerabilities were compared (socially assisted students vs. students in which case a parent is working abroad vs. preadolescents from single-parent family vs. Roma people - socially assisted), from the point of view of the temperament and behavioral scales. The current research provides valuable data for specialists and parents, in order to positively influence preadolescents' educational and social integration, knowing where to intervene (separately, for each type of vulnerability), in terms of temperamental characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow is the optimal psychological state in which an athlete achieves their best performance without effort but with total concentration and a sense of total control, without any such thoughts. Flow is often associated with high levels of performance, self-consciousness is diminished and attention is entirely focused on the activity at hand. The purpose of the study was to investigate the flow state and the levels at which Csikszentmihalyi's nine dimensions of flow are experienced by elite fencers. The research participants were 41 Romanian fencers who were distributed as follows: 13 fencers were medallists (over time) at the European, World or Olympic Games, and 28 did not have outstanding sports results. The Long Dispositional Flow Scale (DFS-2) measuring the nine dimensions of flow was applied. Data analysis (using the Independent Samples t Test) revealed that elite fencers experienced more during competition that the goals and feedback were clear, reached a higher level of awareness of their performance, experienced more the challenge-skill balance, were more focused on the immediate task, perceived more the automatic nature offlow state and the sense of control (however, no significant differences were observed compared to fencers without outstanding sports results). As regards the transformation of time, men fencers experienced more (with a marginally significant difference) time dilation or compression during competition compared to female fencers. Gender- and performance-related findings about athletes' experienced flow are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coaches are given an essential role in a process that can enhance youth engagement and increase the chance to obtain top level performances in sport. The scope of the research was to investigate the relationship between organizational climate and competitive anxiety in swimming coaches. Also, the current study wants to emphasize differences in perceived organizational climate and competitive anxiety among coaches according to sports performances, experience and gender. Thirty Romanian swimming coaches (M = 28.93), 15 male and 15 female participated in the study. The Competitive Anxiety in Sport Questionnaire and The ECO System - investigating different components of the organizational climate were used. The results showed that female swim coaches perceived the tasks to be clearer within the sports organization in which they work, felt that there was more support from the organization's management, that relationships with colleagues and, also, the reward/motivational system were better, compared to the male swim coaches. The Mann-Whitney (U) test was used to investigate the differences between swimming coaches taking into account coaches' experience level, gender and obtained sports performances (competitive anxiety and perceived organizational climate were approached). Furthermore, using the Spearman correlation, the associations between different dimensions of organizational climate and competitive anxiety of swimming coaches (separately for male and female coaches) were discussed. The findings of the current study provide valuable information to sports managers (and sports psychologists), which can intervene to increase the quality of life of employees (in this case, swimming coaches). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern technologies increase the attractiveness of the physical education lesson. Different tools (for example, HOPSports and Brain Breaks systems) can also be used as means of recreation in the breaks between classes. The objectives of the research were to identify differences between teenagers in terms of selfperception and attitudes towards the new technologies applied during physical education (PE) classes and also to establish the relationship between self-perception and attitudes towards the new technologies applied during PE classes. The study was conducted on 69 children (preadolescents) and teenagers (adolescents) aged between 12 and 19 years, M = 16.36, SD = 1.96. Self-perception was measured with the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA) (Harter, 2012). The results indicate that boys do not have a significantly higher level of self-perception than girls and no significantly higher need for the modernisation of PE classes. After performing a multiple linear regression analysis, it has been highlighted that self-perception is a significant predictor of the need for modernised physical education and sport classes. Children and adolescents who think that they have an exemplary behavioural conduct, are competent in their work and have athletic competence will perceive more acutely the need for modernised PE classes. The implementation of HOPSports and Brain Breaks programs is being discussed, which could positively influence students' motivation for physical education and sport classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping refers to behavioral, cognitive efforts aimed at controlling stress, reducing the subjective perception of danger in a stressful situation. The aim of the research is to investigate coping strategies used by young basketball coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping strategies will be analyzed taking into account coaches' perceptions of how their sports organization functioned during the pandemic. Fourteen basketball coaches, aged between 23 and 30 years, participated in the research, 64.3% male and 35.7% female. The Brief COPE Questionnaire (COPE short form), covering 14 coping strategies and The FOS-B (Functioning of Sports Organizations - Basketball) opinion questionnaire (created by us), were used. The results showed that the coping strategies most used by basketball coaches, during the COVID-19 pandemic, are: Acceptance, Active Coping, Planning and Venting. Regarding the strategies that were least used we highlight: Substance Abuse, Humor, Self-Distraction and Self-blame. The Mann-Whitney (U) test was used to discuss the differences between coaches in terms of coping strategies, based on their responses to the FOS-B questionnaire. It was also found that basketball coaches who were less psychologically impaired when they first heard of the COVID-19 pandemic acted significantly more consciously, increasing effort in order to adjust to the stressor, whereas basketball coaches who were highly impaired (when they first heard of the pandemic), felt significantly more helpless, reducing the effort in achieving their goals. Knowing sources of stress for young coaches (and not only) is essential in order to assist and guide them in the development of adaptive coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the differences between high- and low-handicap golf players considering risk-taking behavior and aggression. Also, the existing correlations between golf players' sports skills, height (inches), weight (lbs), risk-taking behavior and aggression were analyzed. 36 performance golf players from the United States took part in the research (Mage = 18.94). For assessing risk-taking behavior The English adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire was used, while aggression was measured through the English adaptation of the Makarowski's Aggression Questionnaire. It was found that low-handicap golf players have higher results for Goahead scale, a better sports ability is linked to a heavier weight (only in male athletes), while in female golf players a lower score for stimulating risk is associated to a higher value for instrumental risk (requires rational thinking). Both male and female golf players obtained a significant lower score for foul play, compared to the norms. Also, the results of female golf players were significantly lower for assertiveness, stimulating risk and higher in the case of instrumental risk. Gender differences were presented, starting from the dependent variables investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety represents a multifaceted response that can hinder or help performance. Anxiety experienced at high intensity and in the long term is a noxious phenomenon. However, moderate anxiety can lead to improved performance, stimulating on-task effort. The aims of our study are to determine the pattern of anxious reactions in coaches with superior results in competition and to identify which facet of anxiety is a better predictor of sports performance. A total of 57 coaches (19 women and 38 men) participated in the research. We assessed four facets of trait anxiety using the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales. The results highlight significantly lower scores in successful coaches compared to novice coaches for anxiety in new situations and in separation conditions. When talking about anxiety in physically dangerous and sociallyevaluative circumstances, no significant differences were found between the two groups of coaches (successful and beginner ones). After performing two separate binomial logistic regressions, we can argue that the scores for anxiety in separation conditions are a better predictor of sports performance than anxiety in new situations, the model explaining 30% of the variance in international or national performance and correctly classifying 75.4% of cases. The conclusions of our study represent valuable resources for sports psychologists, future (and current) coaches and researchers who are eager to better understand the impact of A-trait on sports performance, in the case of coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2020 has seen major changes worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While performing their profession, physical education and sports teachers (and not only), faced different situations, behaviors and means of conducting the teaching process, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The aim of our research is to present the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and teachers of physical education and sports in Bucharest, Romania. The research was conducted with the participation of teachers and students from 10 schools in Bucharest, between October 2020 and March 2021. 131 people took part in the study: 93 students (48 girls and 45 boys) and 38 physical and sports teachers (30 women and 8 men), aged between 12 and 61 years. The opinion questionnaire "The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school psychosocial plan" was used, which includes 38 items. We used the T test for two independent samples to analyze student responses, as well as the Mann-Whitney (U) test to identify significant differences in teachers. The results revealed important aspects between the researched groups in terms of: the level of stress felt, the quality of working relationships, the characteristics of interpersonal communication and the degree of fatigue felt. The research provides valuable information to students, parents, teachers of physical education and sports (and not only), and can be an alarm signal about the necessary changes in schools, especially if the pandemic situation will continue for a considerable amount of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional intelligence (EI) and temperamental characteristics are essential aspects for managers to develop human potential. A total of 50 sports managers (25 currently employed and 25 future sports managers) took part in the study, completing the Questionnaire for Self-Determination and Measurement of Emotional Intelligence, as well as the Temperament Self-Assessment Questionnaire, based on Jung's typology (introversion, extraversion and four psychological functions: sensation-intuition and thinking-feeling). Through the t test for independent samples, we found significant differences between the two groups of participants, in the case of three factors of emotional intelligence but also in the overall score of EI. In other words, managers in sports organizations recognise and control significantly better their own emotions and mobilise their resources to a higher level to achieve a goal compared to future sports managers. At the same time, we highlighted significant differences in the case of extraverted sensing (ES) temperamental type. Experienced sports managers are more open, sociable and interpret information in a significantly different way compared to future sports managers. Specifically, managers in sports organizations rely significantly more, in the interpretation of information, on direct and concrete experiences, on the five senses (relating more strongly to external stimuli), and less on intuition (in which case, the interpretation of information occurs in the absence of concrete details). The findings of our study provide future sports managers with valuable information about emotional intelligence factors and temperamental characteristics specific to managers with experience in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Values are linked to how an individual perceives the environment and himself, being context-determined. The aim of our investigation was to identify the value structure of pre-teens in risk of school dropout according to gender and type of vulnerability. We mention that physical education and sports provide opportunities for socialization and, at the same time, facilitate social integration. Therefore, in order to prevent and reduce social exclusion and school dropout, specialists must take into account the essential role that sport plays for children from vulnerable groups (and not only). A total of one hundred and nineteen preadolescents (67 boys and 52 girls), in risk of school dropout, participated in the research. The Values Questionnaire (part of the PEDb computerized platform) was used. The results emphasized that, in the case of socially assisted preadolescents, the scores for autonomy and authority are significantly higher in boys, compared to girls. When talking about pre-teens in which case a parent is missing, we found that: skills development value is significantly more important for girls than boys; boys value more respecting rules, authority, challenge, professional recognition and social relations, while for girls, skills development, autonomy, security and free time are more important. Through one-way MANOVA, after comparing socially assisted preadolescents with pre-teens in which case a parent is missing and with Roma people (socially assisted), interesting data were also highlighted, in terms of values held. Knowing the value structure of pre-teens in risk of school dropout, teachers, psychologists, parents can positively influence pre-teens' sustainable social and educational integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exceptional sports performances cannot be obtained without maximizing the personality of the coaches. Personality traits are characterized by generality (manifested in different situations) and relative stability (do not change accidentally). Through this paper we want to contribute to the shaping of the top coach personality profile. 16 successful Romanian coaches from eleven sport branches (13 men and 3 women), with an average age of 58.9 years, took part in the research. The NEO-FFI questionnaire, developed by Costa Jr. and McCrae, calibrated for the Romanian population, was used. Analyzing the personality profiles of successful coaches we could highlight the fact that: 93.75% are focused on goals; 87.5% are motivated; 81.25% of successful coaches are selfless and optimistic; 75% are forgiving (anger control); 68.75% are charismatic; 50% are progressive, respectively 31.25% are traditional (decisional style); 56.25% of specialists are aspirational, and 43.75% are hardworking (learning style); 56.25% are adaptive, respectively 37.5% are hyposensitive (defense style). The study also presents the level at which 13 professional competencies are manifested, the five major personality factors (Big Five Model) and their facets: Self-esteem, Emotionality, Sociability, Activism, Curiosity, Flexibility, Confidence vs. Suspicion, Politeness, Productivity and Organization. The results of our research represent particularly valuable resources in the training process of young coaches (and not only). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tennis has become an extremely complex sport, with tennis players needing a team of specialists to maximise their sports performance. Performance tennis has proven that the difference between the players, in the conditions of similar technical-tactical performances, is made by the physical and mental training. Our paper aimed to investigate the subjective reality of junior tennis players in order to optimise their actions and activities by identifying a psychomotor and cognitive model of athletes ranked in the top area nationally. The research involved 75 tennis players - 40 boys and 35 girls aged between 14 and 16 years. The materials used were represented by the PSISELTEVA psychological testing system developed by the RQ Plus Company and calibrated to the Romanian population, which contains: levers, desk with buttons, pedals. The tests belonging to the computerised battery used in the research are: TRS (simple reaction time), TRD (discrimination reaction time), RCMV (intersegmental coordination), TUD (eye-hand coordination), ANALOGIE (analogical transfer), TAC (attention concentration), MT (topographical memory) and RNE (resistance to mental fatigue). Through the Mann-Whitney (U) test, significant differences were identified between the first tennis players in the national ranking and the players placed in the middle or final zone of the ranking, in terms of different psychomotor and cognitive coordinates (investigated in various environmental conditions). The results obtained are useful both for specialists working in the field of tennis (coaches, sports psychologists, physical trainers), athletes (boys and girls) aspiring on the road to great performance, but also for sports clubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletes of the highest level in many sports (athletics, football, baseball, tennis, golf, rugby, skiing, gymnastics, swimming, basketball etc.) talk about the importance of visualising technical execution both during the training period and in competition (during warm-ups, during breaks in official games, before throws, jumps, free kicks etc.).Visualisation techniques can improve motor skills, grow muscle strength, increase selfconfidence, attention concentration and decrease anxiety. Through the use of imagery, pain management, endurance, performance motivation and physical performance can also be enhanced in athletes. To achieve the best results, visualisation techniques should include the five major senses (touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste) and should consider key aspects such as perspective, emotion, environment, task and timing. Mental rehearsal (or visualisation) is powerful because the subconscious processes the experience as a real one (by firing those neurons that are responsible for skill acquisition), makes the person calmer and more adapted to stressful situations, and can speed up the learning process in athletes and not only. One hour of mental training a day in 6-10 sequences has a special benefit that cannot be obtained by any other means. By applying both guided imagery techniques and practice, athletes design their mental road maps for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main index of male attractiveness is muscularity, which is related to strength and agility. A focus on own appearance is considered one of the main features of narcissism, which may be manifested in both adaptive or maladaptive, for example, aggressive forms of behavior. Materials and method: One hundred and twelve men training in martial arts (Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA) and 96 men training in kettlebell lifting took part in the study. The study employed the Body Esteem Scale (BES), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and the Buss-Durkee Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Results: The analysis showed that narcissism levels were higher among men training in martial arts than strength sports, in this case kettlebell lifting. It was revealed that aggression levels on all subscales were higher among men training in kettlebell lifting than martial arts athletes. Conclusion: Noticeable sudden aggressive behaviors in athletes may indicate anabolic steroid use. Particular attention should be paid to such behaviors in athletes training in strength sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a special stage in the development of obesity and implicitly for interventions to control it. From a nutritional point of view, the adolescent with weight problems is going through an extremely vulnerable period, the increased need of nutrients necessary for the correct physical and mental development being often unsatisfied due to poor eating habits. This article refers to the importance of sport and physical activity of any kind as an adjuvant treatment of childhood obesity and was conceived as a plea for the holistic approach to infantile obesity. The study briefly presents the pathological substrate of childhood obesity (statistics, causes, consequences, methods of diagnosis and treatment) and the solutions considered most effective in ameliorating and curing this problem. It highlights the role of movement in implementing specific treatments for childhood obesity, along with the modern approach to nutrition in contrast to lifestyle, and also the influence of family patterns on the manifestation of exercise and eating habits and their transmission from one generation to another. Evidence based on empirical research in the literature regarding intervention programmes in the treatment of childhood obesity is also presented. Healthy lifestyle modification programmes for weight control in children should be directed by health professionals (primary health care professionals, nutrition/diet professionals, teachers, physical activity professionals), who are specially trained in the field of infantile obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 50 years, various researchers have investigated the characteristics of the champions, wanting to highlight their personality traits, mental and physical states, the feelings experienced by athletes in the moment when they achieve tremendous performance. The aim of our paper is to identify the level at which physical and mental states are experienced by top athletes when they have achieved remarkable performance. Such information is very important in the self-monitoring process - in competition, self-monitoring enables selfregulation, representing a way of psychological support of top-level athletes. Top-level Romanian athletes from different sports, who won medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships, were investigated. Our research is intended to provide support for athletes who, being aware of the differences between their state at the time t0 (top athletes become aware after the self-monitoring process) and the optimal psychophysical state (specific to the moments when they achieve extraordinary performance), can intervene in order to activate or to relax, being more confident, detaching themselves from external factors or controlling their effort. In competition, self-monitoring makes self-adjustment possible (athletes can manage their own states in order to get closer to the psychological and physical condition for success). The constellation of mental and physical states that facilitates the achievement of superior results in competitions inevitably depends on the gender and age of the athletes and on the practiced sports branch (besides the interindividual differences related to each person's unique and original personality). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialised literature emphasizes lower levels of self-esteem in the case of obese and overweight children and adolescents, compared to normal weight ones. Self-esteem issues are one of the main causes for distress in individuals, being also linked with other personality factors (extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness or emotional stability). For a better understanding of the relationship between self-esteem and overweight or obesity there is a need to step back and analyze the two concepts: childhood obesity and self-esteem. Self-esteem reflects people's representations of how they feel and think about themselves over time. Subsequently, this paper has identified an existing relationship in terms of self-esteem and BMI, and also, the links between children and adolescents with weight issues and aspects such as: relationship with parents, social and school environment in which the children and adolescents are engaged, the perceived expressed emotions, participating in exergames, watching TV, etc., resulting, also, in specialists showing a great interest in the research topic. In an attempt to find solutions to increase the level of well-being of overweight or obese children and adolescents, the article identifies examples of interventions (e.g. the RealFit program for young people, which focuses on physical activity, psychology, nutrition and parental involvement), which could become good practice for specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is known as a vital interpersonal ability; it is the foundation on which relationships are initiated, maintained, negotiated or dissolved and also an important tool for effective coaching. The coach-athlete relationship is based on the communication process, which includes the transmission of competence, knowledge and skills. Studies have shown that good communication (which occurs when the athlete knows that the coach really notices how they perform, recognizes their effort and provides positive or negative but constructive, honest and precise feedback) makes all the difference. As a result of the communication process, the psycho-behavioural repertoire of both the coach and athletes expands. However, to achieve this goal, the communication style used is very important. The communication style refers to the way in which either the coach or athlete transmits verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal information. Four communication styles can be distinguished: nonassertive (passive escape behaviour), aggressive (attack behaviour), manipulative, and assertive (constructive behaviour). For better communication with athletes, the development of empathic ability and active listening are particularly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In its broadest sense, communication at the level of communication agents (athletes, coach) consists in improving the adaptation to the environment. The reception of the information by the recipient of the message (for example, the athlete) corresponds to the process of assimilation, explaining the informative aspect of the communication. The data that reaches the receiver are processed at different levels by it. As a result, he/she is forming new schemes or restructuring the already existing schemes. This corresponds to the process of accommodation (from the theory of cognitive development of J. Piaget), explaining the formative aspect of communication. Through the dynamic interaction of these processes (assimilation and accommodation), as a result of the internal and intrasystemic communication (of the subject with itself), more efficient adaptation to the environment is achieved and the personality develops more complex. Self-regulating mechanisms (for example feed-back) have, also, an informative and formative effect on the transmitter (for example, the coach). The information provided by the specialist has antientropic characteristics, reducing the uncertainty within the transmitter-receiver circuit (coach-athlete). Considering the coach-athlete dyad we must talk about communication responsibility, the words being able to block or support athletes during competition. Thus, successful coaches pay attention to what, how and when they communicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]