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.

青春期是人类发育的关键阶段，其特征为身体快速发育与显著的社会心理转型（psychosocial transitions）。此阶段个体往往对焦虑、压力及情绪不稳更为敏感[1,2]。已有研究一致表明，规律的体力活动可通过改善情绪、提升心理韧性（resilience）及改善自我调节（self-regulation）来降低上述风险[3–5]。此外，参与体育运动可提升自尊、助力压力管理并促进社会互动，这些效应共同助力长期心理健康[6,7]。

摔跤是一项兼具耐力、灵活性与自控力的高强度体育运动。有研究提出，在幼年接触该运动不仅能促进身体素质提升，还可培养心理自律性[8]。除却身体层面的高强度要求，摔跤更强调心理专注与情绪平衡，因为比赛胜负往往取决于对对手的心理掌控[9]。这种身体与认知挑战的独特结合，使摔跤成为提升自律性、自信心与压力耐受能力的潜在手段。针对格斗运动的相关研究普遍印证了这些益处：参与者的认知性焦虑与躯体性焦虑（somatic anxiety）水平更低，自尊水平更高[10,11]。同样，运动时长的增加往往与自我调节能力提升及整体心理韧性改善相关[12]。

纵向与系统研究的证据表明，青春期坚持体力活动与焦虑、抑郁症状减轻及心理健康水平提升相关[7,13]。自尊、心理韧性与社会支持等社会心理因素似乎在这些积极效应中发挥中介作用，进一步佐证了体力活动可作为有效的心理健康干预手段这一观点。在此背景下，格斗运动不仅可促进身体发育，还能培养情绪控制能力、自我效能感（self-efficacy）与适应性调节能力[11]。

尽管存在这些颇具前景的关联，但摔跤训练的心理效应尚未得到足够的实证关注——现有研究大多聚焦于生理或运动表现相关结果。鉴于青春期是心理脆弱性（psychological vulnerability）上升的阶段，探究其潜在的保护效应尤为具有价值。

为此，本研究旨在探究结构化摔跤训练对青春期男性群体的心理健康水平、焦虑状态及心理韧性的影响。本研究假设，与对照组相比，定期参与摔跤训练的被试将表现出更高的心理健康水平、更低的焦虑水平及更强的心理韧性。