Volume 29, Issue 2 (5-2026)                   J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(2): 150-156 | Back to browse issues page


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Salehi S A, Zand A. The Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Goal Setting on the Performance of Soccer Players. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (2) :150-156
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8202-en.html
1- Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran , salehh@yahoo.com
2- MSc, Department of Physical Education, Arak, Iran
Abstract:   (449 Views)
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence and goal setting on the performance of young footballers in Arak.
Methods: The statistical population included players aged 15 to 21 years old present in football teams and academies of this city, and using the cluster random sampling method, 200 people were selected as a sample. Data were collected using standard questionnaires of emotional intelligence, Locke and Latham goal setting, and sports performance and analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM).
Results: The findings showed that emotional intelligence with a path coefficient of 0.45 and goal setting with a path coefficient of 0.52 have a direct and positive effect on sports performance. Also, emotional intelligence with a path coefficient of 0.61 showed a positive and significant effect on goal setting. These results indicate that players with higher levels of emotional intelligence are more inclined to set challenging goals and show better performance.
Conclusions: It is suggested that coaches and sports organizations help develop these skills in young players by holding training workshops and using sports psychologists. Also, future research can gain a deeper understanding of these relationships by examining mediating variables and using longitudinal methods.
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Type of Study: Original Atricle | Subject: psychology
Received: 2025/11/25 | Accepted: 2026/04/20

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