Dr. SIN Lok-lam, EmilyEmilyDr. SIN Lok-lamChow, Chi-nganChi-nganChowCheung, Roy T.H.Roy T.H.Cheung2026-09-072026-09-072015Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 2015, vol. 33(2), pp. 67-72.1013-7025http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/29179Background<br> Marathon runners experience different levels of stress from their performance, which may vary across different people. Objectives<br> This study sought to examine if stress levels could be predicted by running performance and personal psychological capitals, including optimism and self-efficacy levels in marathon finishers. It also determined the contribution of each component in a stress prediction model.<br> Methods<br> An online questionnaire and comprised validated scales were used to measure runners' performance, perceived stress levels, and personal psychological capitals.<br> Results<br> A positive correlation between runner performance and perceived stress level (rs = 0.256, p = 0.019) was found, while the personal psychological capitals were negatively correlated to stress levels (rs = −0.580, p < 0.001) and (rs = −0.618, p < 0.001) respectively. Perceived stress levels were best predicted by personal psychological capitals (β = −0.322–−0.393, p = 0.001), but not running performance.<br> Conclusion<br> Our findings suggested that psychological factors affect stress levels the most, and marathon runners with a lower performance were more prone to stress than those who perform better.enGeneral Self-EfficacyOptimismPerformanceQuestionnaireRunnersPeer Reviewed Journal Article10.1016/j.hkpj.2015.03.002