EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTIVATION AND ANXIETY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE-LEVEL MALE HOCKEY PLAYERS

Abstract

This study investigates the complex relationship between motivation and competitive anxiety among male hockey players competing at the state level in Maharashtra, India. A sample of 124 elite male hockey players aged 18-35 years participated in the study. Motivation was assessed using the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II), while competitive anxiety was measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant negative correlations between intrinsic motivation and cognitive anxiety (r = -0.58, p < 0.001) and somatic anxiety (r = -0.43, p < 0.001), while self-confidence showed a positive correlation with intrinsic motivation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Extrinsic motivation demonstrated weaker but still significant relationships with anxiety dimensions. Hierarchical regression analysis identified intrinsic motivation as the strongest predictor of reduced anxiety and enhanced self-confidence, explaining 34% of the variance in competitive anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation in elite hockey players to optimize performance by managing competitive anxiety, with implications for coaches and sport psychologists working with hockey players in Maharashtra and similar competitive contexts. Keywords: Sports psychology, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, self-confidence, hockey players, Maharashtra