Collegiate athletes face significant dual pressures from academics and high intensity training, as the extremely competitive professional sports environment requires them to prepare for both aspects for their future. Self-efficacy is a vital psychological resource for navigating this unique landscape. While self-efficacy in sports is well-studied, this research offers a unique perspective by examining its manifestation through the lens of contact versus non-contact sport types, aiming to observe how these distinct categories influence self-efficacy dimensions. A total of 455 collegiate athletes (162 female, 293 male) from a Taiwanese university participated in this study. A Collegiate Athlete Self-Efficacy Scale, uniquely incorporating a "Teammate Self-Efficacy" dimension, was utilized. The scale comprised three constructs: "Coursework Self-Efficacy," "Social Self-Efficacy," and "Teammate Self-Efficacy." Its structural model demonstrated good fit with indices: Normed Chi-square=2.854; GFI=.940; AGFI=.914; CFI=.958; RMSEA=.064. Results revealed that "getting along with teammates" yielded the highest self-efficacy score, while "asking questions in class" scored the lowest. Crucially, non-contact sport athletes exhibited significantly higher academic and social self-efficacy compared to their contact sport counterparts. However, no significant difference was observed in teammate self-efficacy. These findings highlight contact sports' demands may lower academic and broader social confidence, while teammate relationships consistently foster selfefficacy across all sport types. Recommendations include tailored support for contact sport athletes, fostering social engagement, strengthening team bonds, and encouraging academic participation. Future research should diversify samples and explore other factors.

Authors:
Li Heng Chen, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Li-heng Chen is currently a master's student in the Department of Sport Business Management, College of Sport Industry, National Taiwan University of Sport.

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