Predicting Sports Performance from Well-Being: A Mapping of Professional Athletes', Amateur Athletes' and Non-Athletes' Positions

Overview & Synopsis

Introduction: Prediction of performance and well-being are two essential keys in sports performance. Objective: The study aimed to map different positions regarding the way in which individuals integrated mentally five elements of eudaimonic well-being (relatedness, autonomy, competence, mental vitality and physical vitality) for predicting the degree of performance at the beginning of a match. Method: Twenty-four non-athletes, 44 amateur athletes and 26 professional athletes indicated their prediction of performance in 32 scenarios constructed from the combination of these elements of well-being. Cluster analysis, ANOVAs, and chi-square test have been done. Results: Two positions on prediction of performance were found. The first cluster was called "Sometimes Performance Prediction" and the second cluster was named "Seldom Performance Prediction". The five elements had a positive effect on the prediction of performance. The composition of both clusters was linked to the level of involvement in sport. Conclusion: Offering athletes a "well-being environment" may lead to predict the sports performance.