The master's thesis investigates possible differences in social anxiety levels among
adolescents in general and sports gymnasiums in Slovenia.
In the theoretical part, in understanding social anxiety among adolescents, I first
defined the concept of anxiety, social anxiety and adolescence. Following this, I
analyzed the impact of regular sports activity in parallel with the above-mentioned
points. This was followed by a more detailed definition of social anxiety in adolescence
and a review of research already conducted. In the empirical part, I examined possible
differences in the level of social anxiety among adolescents in general and sports
departments of grammar schools and researched their experience among sportsactive
adolescents.
I invited all Slovenian grammar schools to the research work, which, in addition to the
general department, also offer the sports department of the grammar school
educational program. Thus, 120 male and female students were included in the
quantitative research. The quantitative analysis was followed by a qualitative one,
which included five adolescents with whom we conducted an interview. In selecting
the interviewees, the main criteria were the athlete's status and active coaching of the
chosen sport for at least five years.
The results of the quantitative survey revealed some statistically significant facts.
Although sport is still insufficiently known and appreciated in the context of
psychological treatment, the results of the research indicate the interdependence of
regular sports activity and the level of social anxiety. While there were no statistically
significant differences between the sexes, these differences occur in secondary
education programs. A higher level of general social anxiety was thus perceived
among the students of the grammar school’s general departments.
Based on the interviewees' results, it is interesting to point out that even though
adolescents attach great importance to their peers, they did not expose them as a risk
factor for social anxiety. Opinions were also divided on the assumption that regular
physical activity alone contributes to lower social anxiety levels. A significant risk factor
highlighted by the interviewees is the current epidemic and modern media's influence.
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