'The fluctuation of Fear of Failure, and coping in men’s collegiate football'

Abstract

The study examined the fluctuation of Fear of Failure and coping responses among 15 male football players (aged 18-23). Upon completion of the Performance-Failure-Appraisal-Inventory, the three participants who displayed the highest levels of Fear of Failure were identified and interviewed over a six-week period. They highlighted that there were situational factors which caused and prevented Fear of Failure which affected their well-being, interpersonal behaviour, and sporting performance. They employed predominantly Avoidance-Focussed, and Emotion-Focussed coping strategies in response to their Fear of Failure. Findings enhance understanding of the fluctuation of Fear of Failure in sport, and contribute to both research and applied practice. Keywords: Fluctuation, Fear, Failure, Coping