ABSTRACT
As esports competitions become more popular and lucrative, e-athletes experience increased stress and pressure. Academic interest in the psychosocial determinants of success for e-athletes is also increasing. This chapter explores the psychological stress and coping processes amongst competitive and elite e-athletes and their impact on player performance and well-being. Through the cognitive-motivational-relational theory of stress and coping, which is the predominant theory adopted in traditional sports psychology research, this chapter outlines the stressors, stress appraisals, coping strategies, and coping effectiveness that competitive and elite e-athletes experience. Furthermore, the potential moderating and mediating effects of individual personality factors like mental toughness are explored. This chapter reviews the progress and prospects for stress and coping esports research, outlines new areas for investigation, and discusses potential interventions for e-athletes that will hopefully improve their performances and well-being.
