The Impact of a Psychophysiological State Correction Program on the Emotional Intelligence of Young Futsal Players at the Stage of Preliminary Basic Training

Abstract

Abstract: The study objective is to determine the impact of the author's futsal training programme on the development and characteristics of emotional intelligence in young athletes at the preliminary basic training stage. Methods. The research employed theoretical analysis and synthesis of literature sources; psychodiagnostic (“Hall Emotional Intelligence Test” (HEIT) was employed to identify EI), statistical methods (normality assumptions were confirmed using the Mann-Whitney test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests; sample characteristics; hypothesis testing criteria: Wilcoxon (W), χ2-criterion). Results. The sample average value of the integral indicator of emotional intelligence after experiment increased statistically significantly by 21.95% (p < 0.000), emotional awareness – by 8.28% (p < 0.000), managing emotions – by 30.70% (p < 0.000), self-motivation – by 12.16% (p < 0.000), empathy – by 29.95% (p < 0.000), and recognizing others’ emotions – by 42.99% (p < 0.000). The simultaneous shift of the lower (25%) and upper (75%) quartiles towards their increase indicates an increase in the proportion of young futsal players with higher emotional intelligence and its components. Conclusions. As a result of the implementation of the young futsal players psychophysiological state correction programme at the stage of preliminary basic training, a statistically significant increase in the integral indicator of emotional intelligence was established, as evidenced by an increase in both the median and the sample mean values. Statistically significant positive dynamics were also established for all structural components of emotional intelligence (the scales ‘Emotional Awareness’, ‘Managing Your Emotions,’ ‘Self-Motivation,’ ‘Empathy,’ and ‘Recognizing Others’ Emotions’), confirming the comprehensive nature of the programme's impact and its effectiveness not only on the overall level of EI, but also on its individual components. The most pronounced changes were found on the scales ‘Managing one's emotions,’ ‘Empathy,’ and ‘Recognising other people's emotions,’ which indicates an increase in the ability of young futsal players to control and regulate emotional reactions in stressful and competitive situations typical of futsal, the development of their social and emotional skills, which are key to effective team interaction, mutual understanding between players and optimisation of futsal activity.