Comparison of Perceived Stress on the Basis of Controlling Self-efficacy and Self-esteem among Athlete and Non-athlete Staff

Present study aimed to compare the individual psychological antecedents of perceived stress (self-efficacy and self-esteem) among the athlete and non-athlete staff in an industrial company.
Statistical society was all persons employed in the company including managers, supervisors, experts and workers; 192 athletes and 208 non-athletes were selected randomly. Data was collected using three questionnaires including perceived stress, overall self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
Although findings of ANOVA test showed that the condition of perceived stress in athlete employees was better than non-athletes, after controlling the impacts of self-efficacy and self-esteem, the results of ANCOVA test revealed that the difference of perceived stress between these two groups was not significant.
The findings of this research suggest that the exercise can lead to gaining perceived strss to an optimized level (positive stress) mainly by improving valuable beliefs and promoting self-efficacy in individuals. The study extends the models of perceived stress literature and offers managerial, educational and practical suggestions for practitioners working about staff or employees exercise.