The Mediating Effect of Coping with Stress on the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Performance of Adolescent Taekwondo Players

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study was aimed to identify the effects of adolescent Taekwondo players' emotional intelligence on perceived performance and coping with stress and to verify the mediating effect of coping with stress in the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived performance. Methods/Statistical analysis:  To this end, a survey was conducted on a total of 472 youth Taekwondo players registered with the Korea Taekwondo Association. For data processing,  the  frequency  analysis,  exploratory  factor  analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. Findings: First, as a result of analyzing the correlation between emotional intelligence, perceived performance and coping with stress of youth Taekwondo players, positive correlations were found in all sub-variables. Second, it was found that the emotional intelligence of youth Taekwondo players had a partial positive effect on perceived performance. Third, it was found that the emotional intelligence of youth Taekwondo players had a partial positive effect on coping with stress. Fourth, it was found that the emotional intelligence of Taekwondo players has a direct and static effect on perceived performance, but also indirectly affects perceived performance through coping with stress. Improvements/Applications: In conclusion, it was verified that emotional intelligence is an important variable that directly affects perceived athletic performance for youth Taekwondo players, while coping with stress is a variable that has an indirect effect. Therefore, instructors should be aware that Taekwondo players' performance can be improved according to their emotional intelligence and ability to cope with stress. Accordingly, it is necessary to help improve performance by identifying the emotional intelligence of each player and suggesting a stress coping plan tailored to each player. This is not limited to coaches, but it was suggested that individual players need to adjust their stress coping methods according to their emotional state.