Impact of competitive sports games on the mood state of university students

Abstract

This study intends to identify the intensity of mood states whilst playing competitive sports games and verify the existing relationship with the participants’ sporting record. 147 college students took part in the research, who completed the POMS (Profile of Mood State) questionnaire. Analysis showed that the tension and vigour dimensions were experienced with greater intensity in sports games, while the depression and anger dimensions decreased in intensity. Having experience playing sports was an important factor, showing that players with a record of playing sports scored higher levels in the vigour dimension. The results help to guide interventions by future professionals due to practical experience gained in the field of education and sports.