Analysis of Factors Influencing Anxiety Levels Among Taekwondo Athletes at the Student Education and Training Center (PPLP), Central Sulawesi Province, 2025

Abstract

Mental health is a significant public health concern affecting individuals across all age groups, with adolescents representing a particularly vulnerable population. The 2022 Indonesian National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS) reported that one in three Indonesian adolescents (34.9%), equivalent to approximately 15.5 million individuals, experience mental health problems, with 2.45 million having diagnosed mental disorders. Athletes, particularly young individuals undergoing structured training, are exposed to unique stressors such as competitive pressure, training intensity, and performance expectations, which may increase their risk of anxiety. Elevated anxiety levels can negatively affect not only athletic performance but also overall well-being and development. Preliminary local data from Central Sulawesi athletes participating in the 2022 pre-PON indicated concerning anxiety levels (6% very high, 45% high). Considering the critical role of the Student Education and Training Center (PPLP) in developing young athletes, understanding their mental health status—particularly anxiety levels—is essential to provide appropriate support and optimize athlete development. This study specifically focuses on Taekwondo athletes in the PPLP Central Sulawesi program. This study employed a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Total sampling was applied to Taekwondo athletes at PPLP Central Sulawesi (n = all eligible athletes). Data on anxiety and stress were collected using validated questionnaires (DASS-21 and SAS-2). The relationships between age, gender, stress, and anxiety were analyzed using the Chi-square test with SPSS version 30.0 (p < 0.05).

A total of 60 Taekwondo athletes were included in the study (April 2025). The majority were male (56.7%) and in late adolescence (60.0%). Stress levels during competition were predominantly categorized as very severe (63.3%), while anxiety levels were most commonly classified as high (38.3%), followed by very low (31.7%). Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between anxiety levels and gender (p = 0.868), age (p = 0.874), or competition-related stress (p = 0.387). Most Taekwondo athletes at PPLP Central Sulawesi were male and in late adolescence. Although stress levels during competition were generally very high and anxiety levels were predominantly high, no significant relationships were found between anxiety and gender, age, or stress levels.