The effects of academic stress and psychological well-being on high school student-athletes' performance in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33736/jcshd.10572.2026Keywords:
psychological wellbeing, athletic performance, academic-athletic balance, high-school student-athletes, mental exhaustion, academic stressAbstract
Academic stress and psychological pressures are known to affect students' well-being and performance, yet little is known about their influence on the athletic performance of Malaysian high school student-athletes. This study investigates this relationship and analyses how academic stress affects athletic performance, how student-athletes balance academic and athletic expectations, and the psychological effects of academic stress. Twelve 15–17-year-old high school student-athletes participated in semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative phenomenology method. Thematic analysis revealed themes of limited athletic performance, dropout, and mental exhaustion. Academic expectations, tuition, and heavy workloads caused emotional distress, physical fatigue, and cognitive distraction, hindering athletic performance. Many student-athletes reported difficulty focusing during training and tournaments, while some considered dropping out to prioritise academics. Others managed both responsibilities through personal scheduling, with varying degrees of success. These findings enhance understanding of Malaysia's educational system and highlight the need for schools, coaches, parents, and policymakers to support student-athletes’ psychological well-being while balancing academic and athletic demands.
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