Abstract

Practicing sports, as well as physical activity in general, contribute to a healthy lifestyle, help to prevent numerous chronic diseases, and play a therapeutic role in addressing a number of cognitive and psychological disorders (such as depression, distorted body image and self-perception and low self-esteem). As regards students, freshmen with higher physical capabilities can better adapt to new college environment, which in turn influences their well-being, psychological state and ability to study. The aim of our study was to detect the level of emotional burnout and individual psychological characteristics of the university students, engaged in amateur sports. It was shown that the group of amateur sportsmen demonstrated higher level of arousal and mobility of neural processes, and lower level of neuroticism, lower level of neurotisation, anxiety, psychic tension and depression. This allows us to conclude that the type of nervous system may define the disposition toward the physical activity, and the strength of nervous system determines the ability to achieve success in sports. Our data indicate that practicing sports prevent the development of burnout, reduce the negative impact of daily emotional stress and provide a socially acceptable way to express aggression.