Emotional intelligence and psychological characteristics in the sports performance of young elite soccer players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.117782Keywords:
Soccer, emotional intelligence, psychological characteristics, talentAbstract
Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) has been proposed as a relevant construct for understanding psychological functioning in high-performance sport, particularly in team sports such as soccer, although evidence linking EI with competitive level and performance-related variables remains inconsistent.
Objective: This study analyzed EI and psychological characteristics related to sport performance in young elite soccer players according to competitive level and curriculum acceleration and examined the relationships between both constructs. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study included 750 male elite soccer players aged 18–25 years, classified by sport level and curriculum acceleration. EI was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Inventory, and psychological performance-related characteristics were measured with the CPRD questionnaire.
Results: International players showed higher stress control and influence of performance evaluation, with small effect sizes, whereas curriculum acceleration revealed more consistent differences and moderate associations between EI and psychological characteristics.
Discussion: Findings support heterogeneous evidence on EI and suggest that early exposure to demanding competitive contexts may foster psychological and socio-emotional development.
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