Anxiety and Its Relationship with the Performance of selected Pommel Horse Skills among Students of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Baghdad
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Abstract
The aim of the present study is to identify the relationship between anxiety and the performance of selected pommel horse skills among students of the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Baghdad. A descriptive correlational research design was employed due to its suitability for the nature and objectives of the study. The research population consisted of all students enrolled in the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Baghdad during the academic year 2025–2026, totaling 900 students distributed across all academic stages. The research sample was purposively selected from third-year students, as they demonstrate a higher level of technical proficiency in artistic gymnastics. The sample comprised 200 students. Anxiety levels were measured using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), while the performance of pommel horse skills was assessed using a skill performance evaluation form developed according to scientific principles and based on the judgments of a panel of gymnastics specialists. Data were statistically analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results revealed moderate levels of anxiety among the participants, along with a statistically significant inverse relationship between anxiety and pommel horse skill performance. As anxiety levels increased, skill performance decreased. It was concluded that anxiety is one of the psychological factors influencing motor skill performance, and the study recommends greater attention to psychological aspects and the integration of psychological preparation skills into gymnastics instruction.
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