Cognitive predictors of junior athletes' coping strategies in challenging competitive situations

It was found that the most significant predictors of adaptive coping strategies include critical thinking and flexible thinking as components of the cognitive process of mental reflection. They ensure junior athletes’ awareness of difficult life situations and ability to cope with them. The research shows that th maximum involvement of cognitive structures for assessing a competitive situation maintains the meaning-creating function of coping. The prospects for further research can be seen in examining the value and meaning predictors of junior athletes’ selection of coping strategies in difficult competitive situations.
Keywords: junior athletes, adolescence, critical competitive situations, thinking, stress, adaptation, emotional intelligence.