(2025) Science and education, 2, 37-45. Odessa.

Anatolii Massanov, 
Doctor of Psychological Sciences,
Professor at the Department of Theory and Methods of Practical Psychology,
The state institution“South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky”,
26, Staroportofrankivska Str., Odesa, Ukraine,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1002-4941

THEORETICAL MODEL OF STRESS RESISTANCE DEVELOPMENT IN ATHLETES

The article addresses the issue of developing athletes’ stress resistance as a key factor of their psychological readiness for effective performance under conditions of intense physical, emotional, and mental demands. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that modern sports require athletes not only to have a high level of physical preparedness but also to be capable of quickly adapting to stressors while maintaining the stability of their psycho-emotional state and the effectiveness of competitive performance. The aim of the article is the theoretical justification and development of an original multi-level model of athletes’ stress resistance that integrates personal, cognitive, behavioral, and contextual components. Research methods: theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific sources in the fields of stress psychology, sports psychology, and athlete preparation; comparative analysis of existing stress resistance models; structural-functional modeling. The outcome of the study is an original model comprising the following five interrelated levels: the value-motivational level fosters a positive attitude toward stress as a challenge, enhances motivation for self-development and achievement, and ensures athletes’ professional identity; the cognitive-evaluative level promotes adequate self-assessment, realistic evaluation of external conditions, and the development of reflection on mental states; the resource-behavioral level encompasses knowledge, skills, and abilities in self-regulation, effective coping strategies, and integrated experience in overcoming challenges; the personal-regulatory level reflects individual psychological traits, the level of emotional intelligence, and self-regulation style; the system-contextual level characterizes the impact of training and competition conditions, the stress–recovery balance, and social support. The proposed model allows for a comprehensive assessment and targeted development of athletes’ stress resistance and can be applied in coaching and psychological practice to design individualized training programs and prevent psycho-emotional burnout.

athlete’s stress resistance, sports psychology, psychological readiness, coping strategies, self-regulation, psychological recovery, emotional intelligence, simulated stress training

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