• Dr. Tilak Kumar B. S.

Abstract Purpose Early participation in competitive sports is increasingly prevalent among primary school children worldwide. This study investigates the psychological effects of structured competitive sports involvement on self-esteem and anxiety among children aged 6–12 years, addressing a significant research gap in understanding how early competitive experiences influence mental health during critical developmental stages. Methods A cross-sectional comparative design was employed with 200 primary school students (participants in competitive sports: n = 110; non-participants: n = 90; mean age = 8.90 years, SD = 1.90). Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; α = 0.77), and anxiety was assessed via the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS; α = 0.92). Independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients were conducted to analyze differences and associations between groups. Results Children participating in competitive sports demonstrated significantly higher self-esteem (M = 22.01, SD = 2.84) compared to non-participants (M = 19.07, SD = 3.55), t(198) = 7.23, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.02. Anxiety levels were significantly lower in participants (M = 11.45, SD = 4.07) versus non-participants (M = 15.57, SD = 5.06), t(198) = −6.58, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.93. A strong negative correlation was observed between self-esteem and anxiety (r = −0.68, p < 0.001), indicating that enhanced self-worth is associated with reduced anxiety. Participation frequency and duration showed positive correlations with self-esteem improvement (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusions When appropriately supervised and developmentally sensitive, early competitive sports participation fosters emotional resilience, enhances self-concept, and reduces anxiety symptoms among primary school children. These findings support the integration of structured, supportive competitive experiences into school-based physical education programs while emphasizing age-appropriate coaching, positive reinforcement, and balanced competitive environments that prioritize psychological well-being alongside athletic development.

Keywords competitive sports; primary school children; self-esteem; anxiety; psychological effects; youth development; mental health; school sports programs

"Psychological Effects of Early Competitive Sports Participation on Self-Esteem and Anxiety Among Primary School Children", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.f679-f688, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511601.pdf

"Psychological Effects of Early Competitive Sports Participation on Self-Esteem and Anxiety Among Primary School Children", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppf679-f688, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511601.pdf