Tadesse, Sintayehu (PhD)Getaneh, Tsehaynew2018-10-182023-11-102018-10-182023-11-102010-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/12905The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship of athletic fJeI:/iJrllIllIICe wit" locus of control and personality characteristics among Ethiopian athletes. It was also aimed to examine the existing counseling intervention mechanisms employed to enhance athletic performance in the study sites. Among 225 total samples who were selected from 10 sport clubs /Ising simple random sampling, only 208( 64 from short distance running, 74 of middle distance running and 70 of long distance runners) completed and return back the questionnaires. 10 Coaches were also selected purposively from the .ljJort clubs. Ajier Pilot study was conducted, a questionnaire consisting of demogrophic items, modified Rotler's .internal-external locus of control and Big five personality inventory was employed Semi- structured interview guiding questions was also used in the study. The collected data was analyzed through Pearson product moment, t-test, and multiple regression. analysis techniques. The open-ended questions and interview re;jJonses were qualitatively analyzed. The quantitative analysis showed that those athletes with high neuroticism and agreeableness scored low athletic performance at a significant level at 200m and 400m events respectively. Athletes with high external locus of control also pel/(mll low at a significant level at 3000m event. Those participants with high internal locus of control scored low athletic pelformance at short and middle track events. There was no significance difference be/ween male and female athletes on locus of control and conscientiousness at all running events. Locus of control and personality characteristics were not able to explain the variations in best performance time of athletes at significant level at all running events. However, demographic variables were able to explain the variance in best performance time significantly at short track events. The qualitative result also point out that athletes encounter copious problems related to psychological, healih, lack of resources, etc. More specifically, wrong beliefs on "power/tinqola" was reported as a devastating factor of pel/ormance of many athletes. All respondents ell/phasized the relevance o/counseling services /01' improving athletic performance and psychological wellbeing 0/ athletes. But, there were no advanced counseling intervention mechanisms rather than giving sill/pie advice for athletes. Based on the .findings 0/ the study conclusions were drawn and recommendations also forwarded to alleviate the existing problems and improve the Ethiopian athletes' performance.enA Fullction of Locus of ControlThesis