Oriakhi, A.U

This research investigated the stress management techniques, sports performance of student athletes among soccer players in Benin Metroplis. A correlation survey research design was employed in the study, five research questions were made in the study and four hypothesis were formulated. A sample of 135 soccer players were selected by multistage sampling procedure. The Instrument was validated by three experts, two from Department of Human Kinetics and sports science and one expert from the Department of Educational Evaluation and Counseling Psychology, all from the University of Benin. The Split-half method of reliability was used and a reliability index of 0.78 was obtained.
Data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics of Frequency units and Percentages while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyzed the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between stress relaxation technique and student- athlete sports performance, stress cognitive restructuring technique and student- athlete sports performance, stress exercise technique and student- athlete sports performance, stress goal setting technique and student- athlete sports performance. It was concluded that there is a significant relationship between stress management techniques and student- athlete sports performance. It was therefore recommended that sports psychologist should be attached to student- athlete to help manage their stress.

This study investigated the sociocultural factors influencing sport participation among female athletes in the University of Benin. The study specifically examined the relationship between family cultural background, family educational background, religion, socioeconomic status, and the participation of female students in sports. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised female athletes from various faculties in the university, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 105 completed questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents came from modern or mixed cultural backgrounds, families with tertiary educational qualifications, and predominantly Christian households. Family cultural background showed a weak and statistically insignificant relationship with sport participation, while family educational background demonstrated a stronger positive influence. Religion exhibited minimal restrictive effects, as most respondents reported that their faith does not hinder their involvement in sports. Socioeconomic status also showed a positive but moderate relationship with sport participation, with respondents from business and civil servant households participating more actively than those from farming backgrounds. The study concludes that improved awareness, supportive family structures, and inclusive institutional policies can enhance female participation in sports within the University of Benin. It recommends targeted sensitization programs, increased provision of female-friendly facilities, and sustained encouragement from families and the institution to promote gender- balanced sports involvement.