Dr. Hab., Associate Professor S.V. Danilov¹
PhD, Associate Professor L.P. Shustova¹
Bachelor of Psychology Addisu Woldemichael Bongo^2
1Ulyanovsk State University of Education, Ulyanovsk, Russia
²Bonga University, Bonga, Ethiopia

Objective of the study was to identification of coping strategies of student-athletes of Bong University based on their gender characteristics.
Methods and structure of the study. The research work was carried out on a sample of student-athletes from the University of Bonga (Ethiopia). The theoretical methods used were the analysis of scientific works and diagnostic tools, synthesis, and generalizations. The empirical method was a stating experiment using English-language versions of the methods «R. Smith's Athlete Coping Skills Test» and «S. Bem's Questionnaire» that determines the gender type of personality.
Results and conclusions. The analysis of scientific sources allowed us to identify areas aimed at studying the means of overcoming difficulties in various sports; factors and methods of regulating the psycho-emotional states of athletes; the influence of their personal qualities on their performance in sports. However, the problem of studying the coping strategies of student-athletes from the standpoint of gender analysis has not been sufficiently studied. In the course of an empirical study, it was found that the coping strategies of student-athletes are largely determined by their gender type. Thus, androgynous athletes demonstrate the ability to set new goals for athletic achievements in order to overcome difficulties, relying on «confidence and motivation», while they are not sufficiently «free from negative experiences». Feminine athletes choose personal coping strategies – «highest achievements under stress», «coping with adversity», «self-confidence and motivation to achieve». Masculine athletes resort to instrumental strategies – «concentration» and «trainability». The results of the study can be used to model situations of choosing optimal strategies for coping with difficulties in preparing student-athletes for competitions.

Keywords: student-athletes, athletes’ coping strategies, gender approach in sport, gender type.

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