Psychological profile of high-performance athletes: A comparative study of 3x3 elite basketball athletes and 5x5 Lithuanian Basketball League players

Abstract

<p>The aim of the study: This study examines and compares the psychological profiles of Olympic athletes competing in 3×3 basketball and athletes competing in 5×5 basketball within the Lithuanian Basketball League.</p> Methods: The study involved 15 elite basketball players (7 from 3×3 Olympians and highperformance basketball players and 8 from the 5×5 Lithuanian Basketball League). Psychological assessments included the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Brunel Mood Scale–LTU (BRUMS-LTU), Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSREIT), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11). Psychomotor skills were evaluated using the Pegboard Test, and reaction time was measured with a Reactiometer.</p> Results: The 5×5 team scored higher in extraversion, mood (except vigor), and impulsiveness, while the 3×3 team excelled in emotional intelligence. The 5×5 team also scored higher across all three impulsiveness dimensions. A multiple linear regression showed that Managing Others' Emotions, Conscientiousness, Non-Planning Impulsiveness, and Neuroticism significantly predicted pegboard performance, F (4,10) = 25.64, p < .001, explaining 91.1% of the variance (R² = .911). The model showed good fit (SE = .378; Durbin-Watson = 1.675).</p> Conclusions: This study highlights distinct psychological characteristics among elite athletes across different basketball formats. Emotional intelligence emerged as a key strength in 3×3 players, while 5×5 athletes exhibited greater mood variability and impulsiveness. Additionally, specific psychological traits strongly predicted psychomotor performance, emphasizing the role of mental factors in elite athletic performance. These insights may support more targeted psychological training and development strategies within basketball.</p>