Effects of Wrestling Training on Psychological Well-Being, Anxiety, and Resilience in Adolescent Boys

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of human development characterized by rapid physical growth and marked psychosocial transitions. During this period, individuals often experience heightened sensitivity to anxiety, stress, and emotional instability[1,2]. Regular physical activity has been consistently shown to mitigate these risks by enhancing mood, promoting resilience, and improving self-regulation[3–5]. Furthermore, engagement in exercise supports self-esteem, facilitates stress management, and encourages social interaction, which together contribute to long-term mental well-being[6,7].Wrestling is a demanding sport that combines endurance, agility, and self-control. It has been suggested that introducing the sport at an early age promotes not only physical conditioning but also psychological discipline[8]. Beyond its physical intensity, wrestling emphasizes mental focus and emotional balance, as success often depends on psychological control over one’s opponent[9]. This unique combination of physical and cognitive challenge positions wrestling as a potential tool for improving self-discipline, confidence, and stress tolerance. Research on combat sports generally supports these benefits, indicating lower levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety and higher self-esteem among participants[10,11]. Likewise, increases in sport experience are often linked to improved self-regulation and overall psychological resilience[12].Evidence from longitudinal and systematic studies shows that sustained physical activity during adolescence is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and with greater psychological well-being[7,13]. Psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, resilience, and social support appear to mediate these positive effects, reinforcing the notion that physical activity can serve as an effective mental-health intervention. Within this context, combat sports may foster not only physical development but also emotional control, self-efficacy, and adaptive adjustment[11].Despite these promising associations, the psychological effects of wrestling training have received limited empirical attention, as most existing research focuses on physiological or performance outcomes. Given that adolescence is a period of increased psychological vulnerability, examining potential protective influences is particularly valuable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how structured wrestling training influences psychological well-being, anxiety, and resilience in adolescent boys. We hypothesized that participants engaged in regular wrestling training would exhibit higher well-being, lower anxiety, and greater psychological resilience compared with those in a control group.