Identifying Stressors and Coping Strategies of Elite Esports Competitors

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Matthew J. Smith (University of Winchester, Winchester, UK), Phil D.J. Birch (University of Chichester, Chichester, UK)and Dave Bright (University of Chichester, Chichester, UK)
Copyright: 2019
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
Pages: 18
Source title: International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS)
Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hui Li (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China)
DOI: 10.4018/IJGCMS.2019040102

Keywords: Gaming / Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Multimedia Technology

Purchase

View Identifying Stressors and Coping Strategies of Elite Esports Competitors on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Researchers have examined some of the psychological aspects of competing at a high level in esports. The present study aims to build on this literature by examining the various stressors faced and the associated coping strategies employed by seven esports competitors. The interviews were inductively analysed, and the findings illustrated a range of internal (e.g., communication issues, lack of shared team goals) and external (e.g., event audience, media interviews) stressors that the participants faced. Following this, the coping strategies used to deal with these stressors were deductively analysed. A number of emotion- (e.g., breathing, relaxation), problem- (e.g., intra-team communication after matches), and approach- (e.g., team camps, delegating roles) coping strategies were described by participants. Avoidance coping strategies were predominantly highlighted as being used during games. Results are considered in line with how applied practitioners might support players to develop strategies to deal with stressors, which might in turn lead to performance enhancements.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Identifying Stressors and Coping Strategies of Elite Esports Competitors

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors