The aim of this study is to examine the self-confidence and self-efficacy levels of university students specializing in tennis, swimming, and football within sports sciences faculties. The population of the research consists of students studying in sports sciences faculties at Trabzon, Ondokuz Mayıs, Fırat, Kafkas, and İnönü Universities, with a total sample of 318 students enrolled in the Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Coaching, Sports Management, and Recreation departments. Data collection tools included a “Personal Information Form” prepared by the researcher, the Self-Confidence Scale developed by Akın, A. (2007), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale adapted into Turkish by Aypay, A. (2010). The study utilized the Student's t-test for comparisons between two-variable groups, while one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for groups with two or more variables. To determine differences between groups, the Tukey multiple comparison test was used. The relationship between the scales was examined using the Wilson correlation coefficient. The study found no significant differences (p>0.05) in self-efficacy and self-confidence levels concerning variables such as gender, age, preschool attendance, alcohol use, reasons for choosing the field of expertise, income status, and types of sports engaged in prior to university. However, significant differences (p<0.05) were detected in self-efficacy and self-confidence levels in relation to the years of interest in their specialization, the chosen field of expertise, the number of semesters taken in their specialization courses, and the department studied.In conclusion, it was observed that the chosen specialization, department, and duration of interest in the field were closely related to self-confidence and self-efficacy levels. For students in the Sports Management program specializing in football, those who have been engaged with the field for more than 4-5 years and have taken specialization courses for more than one semester demonstrated increased self-confidence and self-efficacy, which are significant for individual respect and success. It was also concluded that individuals who preferred tennis, took specialization courses for one semester, and studied in the Recreation department had higher levels of self-confidence and self-efficacy. It can be argued that a coach with increased self-confidence has stronger communication with their students, potentially leading to the development of more successful athletes.
Self-confidence, self-efficacy, sports.