Relationship Between Anxiety and Shyness in Sports-Participating High School Girls in Chamarajanagara District

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between anxiety and shyness among high school girls participating in sports in Chamarajanagara District Karnataka, India. Recognizing the physical and psychological benefits of sports alongside potential challenges, this research aimed to assess the levels of these constructs and their correlation within a localized context. A quantitative, correlational design involved a random sample of fifty (N=50) high school girls. Anxiety was measured using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), and shyness with the Shyness Assessment Test (SAT). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA for trait variations, and Pearson’s correlation. Results showed mean anxiety scores of 18.36 (SD = 2.58) and mean shyness scores of 59.70 (SD = 9.91). Significant individual variations were observed for both anxiety and shyness, with shyness exhibiting higher variability (18.36%) than anxiety (13.99%). Crucially, no statistically significant relationship was found between anxiety and shyness (r = 0.12, p = 0.41). This suggests that for sports-participating high school girls in Chamarajanagara District, anxiety and shyness may operate as largely independent psychological traits. These findings underscore the need for distinct, tailored interventions when addressing these challenges in adolescent female athletes in this region.