Social Support, Self-Regulation, and Psychological Skill Use in E-Athletes

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology Vol. 12; p. 722030
• Main Authors: Trotter, Michael G., Coulter, Tristan J., Davis, Paul A., Poulus, Dylan R., Polman, Remco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 11.11.2021
• Subjects: competitive video games; cyber sport; e-athlete; esports; psychological skills; Psychology; self-regulation; social support; video game
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722030

The aims of the present study were twofold. First, to investigate self-reported social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use in esports athletes (e-athletes) compared to traditional athletes. Second, to determine if self-reported social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use influenced e-athlete in-game rank. An online survey was used to collect data from an international sample of e-athletes ( n = 1,444). The e-athletes reported less social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use than reported by traditional athletes in previous studies. E-athletes with higher scores in social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use was associated with higher in-game rank. The lack of an organisational structure in esports may be a contributing factor as to why e-athletes score lower than traditional athletes on social support, self-regulation, and psychological skill use. Future research is warranted to explore the development of esports programs aiming to promote athletes’ social support, self-regulation, and use of psychological skills to enhance in-game performance and well-being.