The Effectiveness of a Psychological Counseling Program in Improving Self-Determination for the Snatch Lift Among Young Weightlifters

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the current state of self-determination and design a psychological counseling program in weightlifting, and to determine the effect of this program on self-determination and snatch lift performance among young weightlifters in Wasit Governorate clubs during the 2024 season. The researcher hypothesized that the psychological counseling program has an effect on self-determination and snatch lift performance among these weightlifters.

The researcher defined his research population as young weightlifters from clubs in Wasit Governorate for the 2024 season, totaling (110) weightlifters. The research sample consisted of (40) weightlifters for the main sample, (100) for the control sample, and (10) for the pilot study. The sample represented (40%) of the population, thus accurately reflecting it. The researcher concluded that the self-determination scale, developed according to scientific principles, was suitable for application to the research sample of weightlifters. He also found that (59%) of the weightlifters had low self-determination levels, scoring below the hypothetical mean of the scale, while (41%) possessed self-determination, scoring at or above the hypothetical mean of the scale.

The psychological counseling program proved effective in improving self-determination within the weightlifting environment, modifying their behavior towards the sport, and enhancing their performance.