A comparative analysis of the components of mental reliability among student-athletes engaged in mas-wrestling and boxing

In modern high-performance sports, mental reliability is a decisive factor for success. The specificity of various combat sports forms unique complexes of psychological qualities, requiring a differentiated approach to the training process. A comparative analysis of the mental profiles of athletes in different combat disciplines allows for the identification of targets for psychological correction. Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of mental reliability components in student-athletes practicing mas-wrestling and boxing. The study was conducted at the North-Eastern Federal University involving 41 students: 24 mas-wrestlers and 17 boxers (average age 20.3 years). V. E. Milman’s standardized questionnaire was used to assess four components: Competitive Motivation (CM), Competitive Emotional Stability (CES), Self-Regulation (SR), and Stability-Noise Resistance (SN). Statistical data processing was performed using SPSS v.22.0 software (Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s χ², OR). It was established that athletes in both groups possess high competitive motivation, yet demonstrating a critically low level of emotional stability (low CES was found in 83.34 % of the mas-wrestlers and 82.36 % of the boxers). However, differences were revealed in regulatory components: the boxers showed better results in self-regulation (47 % with a high level vs. 33 % for mas-wrestlers). The most pronounced difference was found in noise resistance: the mas-wrestlers were 3.5 times more likely to manifest a low level of SN compared to the boxers. High motivation without developed self-control skills does not guarantee mental reliability. Due to the specifics of their sport, the boxers demonstrated better adaptation to stress conditions through more developed self-regulation and noise resistance skills. For the mas-wrestlers, the implementation of psychological training programs aimed at developing emotional stabilization techniques is recommended.

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