IS CRICKET SPORT PARTICIPATION LINKED TO STRONGER TRAIT SELF-CONTROL? A PERSONALITY-BASED INVESTIGATION ON VARSITY CRICKETERS AND NON-ATHLETE STUDENTS

Abstract

The study examined the association between Big Five personality traits and Trait Self-Control (trait S-C) among varsity cricket players and their non-athlete counterparts. Cross-sectional research design was employed for this study and the data was collected form 346 participants. Among them 173 (mean age 20.47 and SD = 1.783) were varsity cricket players and other 173 were non athletes (mean age 20.47 and SD = 1.783) from eight universities. To assess personality and trait S-C, the BFI-10 and Brief Self-Control Scale were used. Hierarchical multiple regression was applied to determine the predictive power of the relationships. The findings showed that neuroticism was a significant negative predictor of trait S-C in both varsity cricket players and non-athletes. This suggested that individuals with high level of stress or emotional instability may have poorer trait S-C. However, only for non-athlete participants, conscientiousness positively predicted trait S-C. This suggested that the regulatory benefits of conscientiousness may be context dependent i.e. exerting stronger influence in academic settings rather than athletic environment. Whereas, all other personality traits showed no significant association with trait S-C. The study highlights the need for planned and structured psychological support in the university settings for individuals high in neuroticism to strengthen trait S-C across university populations.