Mapping Scientific Output in Sport Psychology Training Research in Peruvian University Theses

Abstract

Sports psychology has become increasingly important in improving athletic performance, psychological well-being, and training processes, yet there is still little systematic evidence on the development of academic research in this field. A bibliometric analysis was conducted of undergraduate and graduate theses on sports psychology in Peru. The RENATI repository was used for the period 2010-2022. The sample consisted of 69 theses, which were analyzed as follows: universities with the highest production, gender of author and advisor, type of thesis according to academic degree obtained, evolution of theses by year, type of study conducted, type of sample in the thesis, type of access to the thesis, and thesis content. The results indicate that the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru is the institution with the most theses on sports psychology, 92.75% of which are for professional degrees. In addition, 52.17% are by female authors, while 47.83% are by male authors. Since 2019, scientific production has increased significantly, with a percentage greater than 10% per year. According to the type of research carried out, quantitative research obtains the highest percentage with 73.91%, and the variables of sports motivation and competitive anxiety are the most commonly addressed in the theses. It is concluded that it is necessary to continue opening new lines of research in order to contribute knowledge about sports psychology.