STRESS COPING TECHNIQUES FOR NIGERIAN WOMEN IN SPORT

Abstract

Stress refers to pressure, tension, or worries arising from problematic situations in an individual’s life. There has been an influx of women into the labour force; this is due to the far-reaching changes in sports activities for women all over the world, and in Nigeria in particular. The sport sector in Nigeria has experienced changes in the increment number of women entering the profession in recent years. This study explored the sources of stress and use of coping styles and techniques among Nigerian women in sport. Common sources of stress identified were injury and illness, pressures of competition, the referee, conflict with the coach, and spectators. Studies suggest that interventions designed to reduce stress should seek to increase the use of avoidance and approach styles to cope with stress.