Abstract

In this study, the impact of Competitive Anxiety on Cognitive Appraisal and Performance Confidence among Amateur baseball players was investigated, as well as the mediating role of Cognitive Appraisal in this relationship. Furthermore, the moderating effect of Character Strengths related to positive psychology on the relationship between Competitive Anxiety and Cognitive Appraisal was explored, dividing these Character Strengths into six virtues. To conduct this research, an online survey was administered to 201 Amateur baseball players aged 19 and above. The result of this study are as follows. First, it was found that the association between Performance Confidence and Competitive Anxiety is mediated by Cognitive Appraisal. Second, Character Strengths showed a moderating effect in the relationship between Cognitive Appraisal and Competitive Anxiety. Thirdly, statistical significance was shown for the moderated mediation effects. Specifically, it was established that values like Transcendence and Justice would considerably moderate the relationship. Notably, the degree to which Cognitive Appraisal declines as a result of Competitive Anxiety was found to be mitigated by Transcendence and Justice Character Strengths. In conclusion, based on the results of this study, implications, limitations were discussed.