Examining the relationship between emotional intelligence levels and decision-making strategies of curling athletes

This study aims to examine the relationship between the emotional intelligence levels and decision-making strategies of curling athletes. In this study, the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used. A total of 117 licensed athletes, including 54 males and 63 females, who actively competed in the curling branch during the 2024–2025 season, were voluntarily included in the study. The "Decision-Making Strategies Scale (DMSS)" was used to determine the decision-making styles of the athletes participating in the study. To measure their emotional intelligence levels, the "Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS)" and a personal information form prepared by the researcher were used. The data obtained within the scope of the study were transferred to the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 package program, and statistical analyses were performed through this program. Categorical variables were presented with frequency distributions, and numerical variables were expressed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum). To determine the reliability level of the scales, the Cronbach's Alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated. The normality of the data distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. In group comparisons, the Independent Samples T-Test and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used; the Tukey test was applied to determine significant differences. The relationships between variables were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. As a result of the study, a low-level, negative, and significant linear relationship was found between the athletes' decision-making strategies scores and emotional intelligence scores. This indicates that athletes with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to make healthier and more effective decisions, while those with lower emotional intelligence levels may experience difficulties in the decision-making process. Therefore, it can be stated that increasing athletes' emotional awareness and improving their ability to understand and regulate emotions may positively contribute to their decision-making skills. Key Words: Curling, Emotional Intelligence, Decision-Making Strategies