Psychological Anxiety and Its Relationship to Decision-Making Skills among First-Division Basketball Players

Abstract

The research aims to determine the relationship between psychological anxiety and decision-making skills among first-division basketball players by identifying (the level of psychological anxiety among first-division basketball players, the level of decision-making skills among first-division basketball players, and studying the correlation between psychological anxiety and decision-making skills among first-division basketball players). The researcher used a descriptive approach due to its suitability for the nature of the research. The researcher selected a random sample of (90) basketball players from first-division clubs in Iraq. The researcher relied on a psychological anxiety scale and a decision-making skills scale (prepared by the researcher) to collect data. One of the most important findings was a statistically significant negative correlation between psychological anxiety and decision-making skills. The higher the level of psychological anxiety, the lower the level of decision-making skills among players. One of the most important recommendations was the need to include regular psychological preparation programs within the daily training plan for basketball teams, with the aim of reducing levels of psychological anxiety and enhancing players' mental performance.