Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-20-2015

Major

Exercise Science (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Daniel Czech

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between competitive trait-anxiety and optimism in college students. A sample of 112 undergraduate students from a university in the Southeast completed three questionnaires: a demographics survey, a Life Orientation Test and a Sport Competition Anxiety Test. The data werethen analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine if a relationship exists. The hypothesis was that there would be a negative correlation between competitive trait anxiety and optimism levels in college students. This meant that as trait-anxiety in an individual increased, the optimism level decreased. It was found that a statistically significant negative correlation existed between competitive trait anxiety and optimism, which confirmed the hypothesis. Further research should be done to see what other variables may have been a factor in why a person with high trait anxiety could have a low level optimism. The results of this study could help counselors at universities across the country work better with college students by understanding these psychological constructs more thoroughly.

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