# Correlation Analysis Study Between the Intensity of Counseling Friendship Network and Exercise Time Among University Taekwondo Athletics

## TL;DR

This study explores how strong social support networks among university taekwondo athletes correlate with increased exercise time.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to improving athletic performance by leveraging counseling friendship networks through social network analysis.

## Key findings

- A positive correlation was found between eigenvector centrality in counseling friendship networks and increased exercise time.
- Athletes with stronger counseling friendships tend to have longer exercise durations.
- Friendships with individuals in key network positions are most effective for increasing exercise time.

## Abstract

The counseling friendship is defined as a relationship based on affection and mutual trust, wherein individuals share care, interest, and information, such as exchange emotions and concerns, thereby functioning as a social support system. Analyzing counseling friendships among university taekwondo athletes provides essential foundational data for overcoming the challenges they face and enhancing their athletic performance.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the intensity of counseling friendship networks and exercise time among university taekwondo athletes by using social network analysis (SNA).

The study subjects were 69 university taekwondo athletes. To analyze the intensity of the counseling friendship network, SNA was employed, focusing on the indices of network distribution and centrality. The counseling friendship assessment was conducted using a structured friendship survey, allowing athletes to list the names of up to three friends from whom they sought advice related to their university and athletic lives. The strength of these friendships was quantified based on the duration of their acquaintance. Additionally, measurement of exercise duration was conducted using a 4‐point scale to assess the average daily exercise time, with intervals set for up to 4 hour or more. The analysis aimed to explore both the network distribution index and the centrality index within the context of these counseling friendships.

As a result, a positive correlation was shown between eigenvector centrality and exercise time, and as the level of eigenvector centrality increases, the exercise time increases.

Based on this, to improve exercise time, it is necessary to create a way to support counseling through friendships and establish a program that allows counseling relationships to be formed centering on friends with a high level of centrality.

Counseling friendships provide psychological stability for university taekwondo athletes, which in turn aids in enhancing their athletic performance. Athletes with stronger counseling friendships are more likely to experience increased exercise duration. To increase exercise duration, it is beneficial to form relationships with friends who offer effective advice and support; particularly, relationships with friends who hold key positions within the counseling network are more effective for extending exercise time.