Influence of health locus of Control and Emotional Intelligence on Children Athletes' Resilience During sports Competition in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of health locus of control and emotional intelligence on the resilience of child athletes during competitions in Oyo State. Resilience is crucial for athletes to manage competitive pressures, yet many struggle without adequate support. The research utilized a descriptive survey design involving 200 child athletes across nine sports, employing standardized instruments such as the Health Locus of Control, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, with a focus on relationships between variables. Key findings revealed a significant positive correlation between internal locus of control, chance, and resilience, accounting for 20.8% of the variance. Internal locus of control and chance significantly influenced resilience, while the influence of powerful others was negligible. Emotional intelligence factors, particularly accurate self-awareness and self-control, also significantly impacted resilience, contributing to 20.5% of the variance. No significant gender differences in resilience were found. The study highlights the need for parents and coaches to foster resilience through positive support and motivation, as current practices often undermine athletes' morale. Overall, promoting resilience in child athletes is essential for their development both in sports and life.