Solid as a rock? Psychological skills, mood states and mental health indicators in young rugby players
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Rugby is a high-contact team sport involving substantial physical, emotional and social demands. This study examined the associations between psychological skills related to sport performance and mental health indicators, including sleep quality, fatigue, mood states and injury history, in young rugby players. An empirical, cross-sectional and associative study was conducted with 27 regional under-16 and under-18 rugby players aged 14–17 years. Participants completed an ad hoc questionnaire on sociodemographic, sport-related and injury variables, together with the Psychological Characteristics Related to Sports Performance Questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Non-parametric analyses were performed. Players generally reported adequate perceived sleep quality, low negative mood states, moderate tension and preserved vigour. Stress control was positively associated with the influence of performance evaluation and motivation, while motivation was related to team cohesion. Higher influence of performance evaluation was associated with lower tension. Players with previous injuries showed higher mental skills and cohesion. Cluster analysis identified a profile characterized by better psychological skills, higher motivation and lower tension. These findings suggest that psychological skills, cohesion, sleep perception and mood states may be relevant dimensions for understanding well-being in youth rugby.
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