RSU study to reveal psychological profiles of Latvian athletes for the first time

Under the leadership of researchers from the Rīga Stradiņš University Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE), the most extensive study to date on athletes’ psychological preparedness in Latvia is nearing its final stage. For the first time, the study makes it possible to systematically identify psychophysiological profiles characteristic of Latvian athletes and provides a scientifically grounded framework for integrating psychological preparation into the sports training process.

Until now, Latvia has lacked tools and objective data based in science that would simultaneously provide assessment of athletes' personality traits, psychological skills, and psychophysiological indicators, i.e., how the mind and body interact in high-intensity sports. The key finding of the new study is that these indicators can be trained and developed and that targeted work on them can significantly improve athletic performance and long-term wellbeing.

The scientific project manager of the research and development grant "Multi-factorial Profiling of Latvian Athletes by Integrating Personality Traits, Psychological Skills, and Psycho-physiological Indicators" is LASE Asst. Prof. Katrīna Volgemute, Leading Researcher at the RSU Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy. The research team also includes RSU researcher and practising sports psychologist Gundega Ulme, as well as LASE researchers: Professor and Senior Researcher Agita Ābele, Asst. Prof. Renārs Līcis, and former professional ice hockey player and scientific assistant Rodrigo Laviņš.

More than 300 study participants 

More than 300 athletes from both team and individual sports disciplines took part in the study, representing a wide range of skill levels, from elite athletes to young talents and amateurs. Based on the collected data, as well as assessments by sports psychologists and psychological preparation coaches, four psychological profiles were identified that reflect real-life practice in working with athletes. These include self-effective and emotionally stable athletes; precision-oriented athletes with elevated tension; emotionally reactive athletes with lower self-regulation; and reactive, fast-acting athletes.

Practical significance of the study 

The main added value of the study lies in its practical applicability. Profiling athletes allows coaches, sports psychologists, and athletes themselves to accurately identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as to purposefully plan the development of psychological preparedness. 

Lead Researcher Katrīna Volgemute emphasises that

‘The study confirms that a uniform approach for all athletes is not effective – each profile requires a different psychological support strategy.

For example, athletes with lower self-regulation greatly benefit from self-regulation trainings; precision-oriented athletes need to work on unexpected situations and competition simulations; fast-acting athletes need to develop impulse control; while emotionally stable athletes benefit from maintaining long-term motivation and reduce the risk of stagnation.

The study’s conclusions clearly point to a future direction in which, when physical abilities are comparable, psychological preparedness becomes the decisive factor. The research has also established a clearer foundation in Latvia for working with athletes in a targeted and professional manner.'

An individualised approach like this not only helps improve athletic performance, but also reduces the risks of burnout, overtraining, and mental overload. The authors of the study emphasise that psychological preparation is an integral part of the training process, equal to physical, technical, and tactical preparation. Often, it is precisely the lack of psychological work that prevents talented athletes from fully exercising their potential in competition.

The developed profiling model is not intended for selecting athletes, but rather for developing psychological skills. All of the study’s data was processed anonymously and analysed in aggregate form, but participants did have the opportunity to receive individual feedback.

The study was carried out as part of the RSU and LASE consolidation project, and its results make a significant contribution to Latvian sports science by providing evidence-based tools for athlete development. The researchers express their gratitude to all athletes and coaches who took part in the study, emphasising that the knowledge gained will benefit the entire sports community.

International collaboration

As a result of the grant, the project "From Monitoring to Action: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Approach to Athletes’ Psychological Adaptation Throughout the Sports Season" (LV–LT–TW/2026/2) has been approved. Within this project, an international study on athletes’ psychological preparation is launched in collaboration with Lithuania and Taiwan. Interested individuals will have the opportunity to apply for participation in this study.

Read more about the project in the article "RSU takes part in international study on athletes’ psychological adaptation".