the comparison of stress coping styles in athletes and non-athletes with high and low self-esteem

the aim of this study was to investigate differences in stress coping styles between athletic and non-athletic students with high and low self-esteem. for this purpose, 465 students (118 females and 347 males, mean age 23.58+3.20 years) were selected by available sampling method. the questionnaire of coping styles (dadsetan et al. 1384) and self-esteem (rosenberg, 1987) were used to evaluate the variables of coping styles and self-esteem. the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and manova statistical models. the findings showed a significant difference in sport condition among coping styles. also, a significant difference existed in self-esteem levels among coping styles. there was a significant interaction between sport condition and self-esteem in these coping styles. the findings showed that non-athletes with low self-esteem, non-athletes with high self-esteem, athletes with low self-esteem and athletes with high self-esteem respectively used lowest to highest level of active coping style. there was an interaction between physical activity level and self-esteem level in inflexible coping styles. non-athletes used this coping style almost to the same extent. athletes with high self-esteem and athletes with low self-esteem respectively used this coping style more than other groups.