Optimism, coping strategy, emotions and life satisfaction in adolescent athletes performance

Abstract

The optimism is presented as an important variable to study in relation to athletes’ performance and health. The aims of this study are to search: (a) the possible relationship between the optimism, coping skills, emotion and life satisfaction and (b) to determine what type of factor has greater discriminant validity predicting variable life satisfaction as an indicator of psychological adjustment. A total of 80 young performance athletes completed the LOT-R, PANAS, CSI and Test in Life Satisfaction scales. The results indicate that optimism is positively related to active coping strategies, positive affect and life satisfaction, while positive affect is the best predictor of life satisfaction. Results and some implications for future research are discussed.