Willpower and Its Relationship to Decision-Making among Students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences – Tikrit University

Abstract

The importance of this research lies in identifying the relationship between willpower and decision-making among third- and fourth-year students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. These two academic stages are considered critical, as students have largely overcome fear and hesitation in decision-making, whether in sports performance, officiating, or other aspects of life—particularly those related to their studies and university environment. This situation requires students to possess strong willpower and determination in order to make appropriate decisions at the right time to accomplish tasks and achieve goals, especially under conditions of pressure. The study aims to identify the relationship between willpower and decision-making among students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Tikrit University. The researcher employed the descriptive survey method due to its suitability for the nature of the research problem. The research population consisted of third- and fourth-year morning-study students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Tikrit University, totaling (235) students distributed across (4) third-year classes and (4) fourth-year classes. Ten (10) students were selected for the pilot study, and another ten (10) students were selected to establish the scientific bases of the instruments. A sample of forty (40) students was chosen for the main study (20 students from each academic year) using a random lottery method, representing approximately (17%) of the original population. The researcher reached several conclusions, the most important of which was the existence of a statistically significant correlation between willpower and decision-making among students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Tikrit University. The researcher recommended organizing seminars and workshops aimed at enhancing students’ willpower and helping them choose the appropriate time for decision-making, involving students in lectures (such as assuming the role of the instructor), and conducting similar studies on female students and other age groups.