CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK MODEL OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON PERFORMANCE FOR TAEKWONDO STUDENT ATHLETES

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) significantly influences psychological factors in athletic performance, particularly in fighting sports such as Taekwondo. In addition to physical and technical skills, an athlete's ability to regulate emotions, handle stress,and sustain focus profoundly impacts competition results. This study presents a conceptual emotional intelligence model specifically designed for Taekwondo student-athletes, incorporating emotional awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The approach analyses the interaction of emotional intelligence components from the Mayer Salovey-Caruso, Trait EI, and Bar-On (EQ-i) models with athlete experience to influence performance. Experience serves as a crucial mediator, improving emotional regulation and strategic adaptation via prolonged engagement in competition. The study examines the psychological challenges of Taekwondo and proposes that systematic emotional intelligence training can enhance mental resilience and performance. The suggested model enhances sports psychology by providing a practical basis for future interventions designed to mitigate anxiety, cultivate interpersonal skills, and optimise athlete development.