Vulnerabilidad psicológica en el rendimiento deportivo y estrategias de afrontamiento.

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between psychological vulnerability and athletic performance in high-pressure contexts was examined, highlighting the importance of mental health in athletes. Emotional and social factors influencing competitive ability were identified, demonstrating the need for effective coping strategies. Objective: To determine the relationship between psychological vulnerability and athletic performance, identifying athletes’ coping strategies and the interventions to strengthen or develop them. Methodology: A literature review was conducted based on 11 scientific publications (2019-2024) retrieved from databases such as PubMed and Scopus. Results: Up to 35% of athletes were found to experience anxiety, depression, and stress, affecting their performance. Strategies such as resilience, concentration, self-confidence, stress management, social support, and problem-solving were identified, while proposed interventions to strengthen them included automated skills, visualization, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, positive self-talk, and emotion regulation, reducing psychological vulnerability by 25% and 35% and improving performance by up to 28%. Conclusion: It was concluded that psychological vulnerability negatively impacted athletic performance, while comprehensive coping strategies were fundamental in mitigating this effect. Interdisciplinary support emerged as a key element in adapting interventions to each context, emphasizing the importance of jointly addressing emotional and social aspects in the sports environment.