Author(s): WANG, L., WANG, Q., LAU, Y., TSE, C., SUN, F., Institution: THE EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 530

Purpose: Psychological safety is a key psychological variable that influences athletes’ performance and team learning. This is particularly important in artistic swimming, where it is highly dependent on expressiveness, precision, and teamwork. However, sport-specific conceptualizations and validated measurement tools in artistic swimming remain underdeveloped. This study aimed to construct an operational definition and theoretical dimensions of psychological safety for artistic swimmers through multi-perspective qualitative study and to develop a preliminary measurement tool with strong content validity.
Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. A novel, integrated focus group interview was conducted, involving five key stakeholder groups in cross-disciplinary discussion: one representative each from artistic swimming coaches, active athletes, athletes’ parents, sport psychology counselors, and non-sport professionals (serving as external observers). The interview focused on themes such as definition, behavioral manifestations, interpersonal and environmental influences. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the transcribed texts. Based on the qualitative findings, initial scale items were generated and iteratively refined through participants’ feedback and expert review to finalize the items.
Results: Three key outcomes emerged: (1) a contextual definition was established: artistic swimmers’ freedom from fear of negative judgment when making mistakes or expressing ideas, enabling confident engagement; (2) two core dimensions were identified: Cultural-environmental and Individual-Behavioral; and (3) a 10-item Initial Psychological Safety Scale for Artistic Swimming was developed.
Conclusion: This study provides the first sport-specific framework and measurement tool for psychological safety in artistic swimming. This scale provides a foundation for empirical research and targeted interventions in team dynamics and athlete support.