The Mediating Role of Psychological Stress in the Relationship Between Financial Hardship, Dietary Quality, and Athletic Performance

Abstract

Elite athletes often face multiple stressors beyond their sport, including financial hardship and dietary challenges, which can directly or indirectly affect performance. Psychological stress may act as a critical mediator in this relationship, influencing how financial constraints and nutritional quality translate into physical and mental readiness for competition. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological stress in the relationship between financial hardship, dietary quality, and elite athletic performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used. A sample of 200 elite athletes from various sports disciplines was recruited through purposive sampling. Standardized instruments measured financial hardship, dietary quality, and psychological stress, while performance metrics were assessed using sport-specific validated tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and mediation analysis through PROCESS macro for SPSS. Descriptive results indicated that 42% of athletes experienced moderate-to-severe financial hardship, and 37% had suboptimal dietary quality. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between financial hardship and athletic performance (r = -0.42, p < 0.01) and between psychological stress and performance (r = -0.51, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis confirmed that psychological stress significantly mediated the effect of financial hardship on performance (indirect effect = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.31, -0.11]). Similarly, dietary quality positively predicted performance, but its effect was partially mediated by psychological stress (indirect effect = 0.14, 95% CI [0.07, 0.23]). Psychological stress plays a crucial mediating role in the interplay between financial hardship, dietary quality, and elite athletic performance. Addressing both the economic and nutritional well-being of athletes, alongside targeted psychological interventions, may enhance overall performance outcomes.

Keywords: Financial Hardship, Dietary Quality, Psychological Stress, Elite Athletes, Performance, Mediation Analysis