Negative psychological experiences and saliva secretory immunoglobulin a in eld hockey players

26 Understanding psychological factors that affect immunity in sport might help to reduce 27 infection risk in athletes. The present study examined within-person changes and individual 28 differences in perceived coach control, intentions to drop-out, and saliva secretory 29 immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Thirty-two field hockey players completed questionnaires and 30 provided saliva samples over a two-month period. Within-person increases in individuals’ 31 perceptions of psychological control and intentions to drop out were positively associated 32 with SIgA concentration. Individual differences in control or drop out intentions were not 33 associated with SIgA. Interventions in athletes to prevent immune disturbances and reduce 34 infection should consider these psychological factors. 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49