An examination of sport character and self-confidence in individuals engaged in archery

The aim of this study is to examine the levels of sport character and self-confidence among individuals engaged in archery in relation to various demographic variables. Factors such as gender, age, national athlete status, and bow category were evaluated in terms of their effects on these variables. The study sample consisted of a total of 186 participants from different age and gender groups. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Sport Character Scale, and the Self-Confidence Scale. Reliability analyses of the scales were conducted using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 22 statistical software. Descriptive statistics including arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage distribution were used to evaluate the demographic characteristics and responses to scale items. Normality assumptions were assessed through skewness and kurtosis values. For data not meeting normality, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparisons, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for multiple group comparisons. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between sport character and self-confidence levels. However, no statistically significant differences were found in some sub-dimensions based on demographic variables. In conclusion, it was determined that archery contributes not only to physical performance but also significantly supports individuals' character development, self-confidence, and social skills. Keywords: Archery, Sport Character, Self-Confidence