A Comparative Study of Achievement Motivation and Self-Esteem among Archers with Reference to Gender and Category of Archery

Abstract

Psychological characteristics of athletes significantly influence sports performance, particularly in precision sports such as archery. This comparative study examined achievement motivation and self-esteem among archers with respect to gender (male and female) and category of archery (recurve and compound). A sample of 200 competitive archers (100 males and 100 females) with minimum two years of competitive experience participated in this study, with equal representation from both recurve and compound categories. Achievement motivation was assessed using the Sports Achievement Motivation Test (Kamlesh), and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Descriptive statistics and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for data analysis. Results revealed no significant differences in achievement motivation based on gender (F = 0.000, p = .987), category of archery (F = 0.022, p = .881), or their interaction (F = 0.062, p = .803). However, a statistically significant gender difference was found in self-esteem (F = 166.575, p < .001), with male archers demonstrating higher self-esteem (M = 35.99, SD = 2.38) than female archers (M = 30.97, SD = 3.06). No significant differences were observed for self-esteem based on category of archery (F = 0.169, p = .681) or interaction effects (F = 0.003, p = .959). These findings suggest that while male and female archers are equally motivated to achieve success, male archers possess significantly higher self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of implementing targeted psychological support programs and interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem among female archers, potentially improving their confidence and competitive performance.