Paper Title
Team Dynamics and Athletic Performance in University Football Players: The Mediating Role of General Self-Efficacy

Abstract
This study examined the mediating role of general self-efficacy in the relationship between team dynamics and athletic performance among university football players, grounded in social cognitive theory. Data were collected from 176 players (aged 18–25) using validated measures of team dynamics, general self-efficacy, and subjective athletic performance. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between team dynamics and general self-efficacy (r = 0.237, p = 0.002) and between general self-efficacy and performance (r = 0.233, p = 0.002). The correlation between team dynamics and performance was not significant (r = .121, p = 0.110). Regression results indicated that team dynamics significantly predicted general self-efficacy (β = 0.237, p = 0.001), which in turn significantly predicted performance (β = 0.217, p = 0.004). The direct effect of team dynamics on performance was non-significant (β = .070, p = 0.356). Path analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect of team dynamics on performance via general self-efficacy (β = 0.052, p = 0.031), with a non-significant total effect (β = 0.121, p = 0.107), supporting a model of full mediation. These findings suggest that team dynamics enhance athletic performance primarily through strengthening athletes’ general self-efficacy. The results highlight the value of integrating self-efficacy-focused interventions within team settings to improve both psychological and performance outcomes in university football players. Keywords - Team dynamics, General Self-efficacy, Performance, Football, Sports Psychology, Mediation.