Resilience in elite sport and at work – A comparative analysis among German elite athletes and employees

Westmattelmann D, Hossiep R, Bruckes M, Schewe G

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

Objective The first purpose was to examine and compare the different levels of resilience for elite athletes and employees. Second, we investigated the relationship between resilience and personality traits for both groups. Finally, we explored how resilience is linked to sporting success. Design Cross-sectional, self-report survey. Method A total of 720 participants (mean age = 28.59, SD = 22.02, males = 51.7%, 256 elite athletes, 132 dual students, and 332 employees) were surveyed and completed scales about resilience, personality traits, and sporting success. Analysis of variance to identify mean level differences between groups and regression analysis to examine the effect of resilience on sporting success. Results The group of athletes shows significantly higher levels of resilience than the groups of dual students and employees. We find positive relationships between resilience and all considered personality traits but find that the level of correlations varies. Resilience is rather a prerequisite for top-level sports participation than a predictor for sporting success.

Details about the publication

JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise
Volumeforthcoming
StatusPublished
Release year2021 (11/08/2021)
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102042
Link to the full texthttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1469029221001606?via%3Dihub
Keywordsresilience; elite athletes; sport performance; personality; employees; workplace

Authors from the University of Münster

Bruckes, Maike
Chair of Organization, Human Resource Management and Innovation
Hossiep, Richard
Chair of Organization, Human Resource Management and Innovation
Schewe, Gerhard
Chair of Organization, Human Resource Management and Innovation
Westmattelmann, Daniel
Chair of Organization, Human Resource Management and Innovation
Professorship for Innovation, Strategy and Organization (Prof. Foege)