The Level of Psychological Security and Its Relationship to Psychological Stress among Advanced Football Players in Dhi Qar Governorate

Abstract

sciences, as it has attracted significant attention from researchers due to the precise scientific explanations it provides for athletic behavior. This field focuses on studying behaviors, experiences, and cognitive processes associated with sports participation at various levels and domains, through description, analysis, and interpretation, with the aim of applying the acquired knowledge to improve athletic performance in practice.

Through the researcher’s observation of several local club matches in Dhi Qar Governorate, it was noted that the performance of some sports teams did not meet the requirements for competing at top positions, falling below the expected level. The researcher attributes this to the fact that the psychological aspect is one of the fundamental pillars for achieving athletic excellence, as low psychological security among team members is considered a key factor contributing to increased psychological pressure. Positive emotions such as cooperation and mutual support, integration of sources of psychological security, and relief from tension and emotional stress all contribute to enhancing mental stability and help in utilizing energies that are often wasted due to psychological pressure.

The study aims to examine the level of psychological security and psychological pressures among advanced football players. The researcher employed the descriptive method using survey and correlational approaches, as these methods are effective in obtaining reliable and accurate information. The research sample was intentionally selected from players of team sports clubs in Al-Gharaf, Nasiriyah, Shatra, Souq Al-Shuyukh, Al-Nasr, and Al-Rifa’i in Dhi Qar Governorate, totaling 78 players.

The results indicated a high level of psychological security among the participants, suggesting that they are capable of effectively managing psychological pressures, thereby enhancing their ability to achieve their athletic goals. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that sports clubs focus on developing players’ volitional traits, such as self-confidence, cooperation, and respect, through guidance and motivational programs that contribute to enhancing psychological security and enable players to cope effectively with stressful conditions.