PERCEPTIONS AND COPING WITH DEFEATS IN SPORT: AN INVESTIGATION WITH FUTSAL ATHLETES

Abstract

This study investigated how futsal athletes perceive and cope with defeat in the competitive context. This is a descriptive study carried out with 34 futsal athletes aged between 18 and 41, 28 in the male category and 6 in the female category. The majority of the athletes started futsal competitions at the age of 6. We used the snowball technique as a sampling method. Participants answered an online questionnaire consisting of 25 questions and based on the literature. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis, conducted through thematic categorization. We identified that most athletes perceive themselves as affected by defeats, while simultaneously recognizing them as a constitutive part of the sport. Different coping strategies were identified, involving individual and collective resources, such as relaxation, strengthening team cohesion, self-assessment, focus on the future, concentration, confidence, spirituality, and dialogue. The findings indicate that defeat, in addition to being recognized for its emotional impacts, is also understood as an opportunity to improve athletic performance. These results emphasize the importance of managing defeat as part of athletic preparation and development.