Graduate Program
Clinical Psychology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
2002
Thesis Director
William G. Kirk
Thesis Committee Member
William T. Bailey
Abstract
There is limited published research in the area of superstition in sports as it relates to an athlete's anxiety and performance. This study was designed to examine this relationship through the administration of a demographic questionnaire, a list of ritualistic and superstitious behavior and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Participants were members of 5 Eastern Illinois University Varsity athletic teams. Results indicate several differences across gender when comparing five athletic teams (men's baseball, basketball, and track and women's track and softball) with their anxiety and superstitious behavior levels. Several significant correlations were found between: reported religious persuasion and frequency of religious practice, reported religious persuasion and the number of pre-game rituals. Lastly, the number of pre-game, during game, post-game, other behaviors were also significantly correlated with state-trait anxiety. Implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Hood, Jodie S., "The Relationship Between State-Trait Anxiety and the Use of Superstitious and/or Ritualistic Behaviors in Athletics: An Exploratory Study" (2002). Masters Theses. 1414.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1414
