Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the coping strategies employed by university athletes who have lost in a
competition. A sample of ten hand ball women athletes (age between 21-24 years old) who represented one of
the largest universities in Kuala Lumpur in the Malaysian Inter-varsity games agreed to participate in this study.
All of the athletes have signed the consent letter, giving their permission for the interview to be recorded. The
result for content analysis has identified two major dimensions; 1) how athletes cope, and 2) ways to cope. In the
first dimension (how athletes cope), three major themes have emerged from the interview, which are social
support, problem solving, and doing other activities. On the other hand, the second dimension (ways to cope) has
identified two major themes, which are concentration and self confidence. However, social support has been
claimed by losing athletes as the main coping strategy used to overcome their grief after losing the competition.
Suggestions are also recommended in the paper.

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