Component-based structural equation modeling for the assessment of psycho-social aspects and performance of athletes

Abstract Recent studies have pointed out the effect of personality traits on athletes’ performance and success; however, fewer analyses focused relation among these features specific athletic behaviors, skills, strategies to enhance performance. To fill this void, present paper provides evidence what mostly affect mental skills and, in turn, their a sample elite swimmers. The main findings were obtained by exploiting component-based structural equation modeling which allows analyze relationships some psychological constructs, measuring construct sports partial least squares path was employed, as it is most recognized method approaches. introduced simultaneously encompasses latent emergent variables. Rather than focusing only objective behaviors or game/race outcomes, such an approach evaluates variables not directly observable related sport performance, cognition affect, considering measurement error invariance, well validity reliability constructs. results could be asset design interventions both for coaches swimmers establishing innovative use statistical methods maximizing well-being.