Research Findings on Stress and Athletic Performance
This project examines how extenuating life events influence NBA player performance, using advanced metrics such as Box Plus Minus (BPM) and Player Efficiency Rating (PER). The analysis shows that stress does not diminish performance. In many cases, players sustain or even improve their output during periods of adversity.
These findings hint at resilience as an important factor in athletic success at all levels, from youth to professional.
Key Details of my Research
The Importance of Resilience
The pros in this study performed better when experiencing more adversity. What are they doing differently? The results suggest that resilience plays a potentially pivotal role in influencing athletic outcomes.
Data-Backed Conclusions
Results are based on statistical analysis of NBA player efficiency and box plus/minus metrics, ensuring objective and replicable insights.
Investigating the Effect of Extenuating Life Circumstances on NBA Player Performance
For many athletes, the mental side of the game can make or break performance. Learning how to manage stress from off-court life events is a crucial skill for maintaining consistency at a high level.
This research explores how major life changes—such as trades, contract years, marriages, or personal challenges—impact NBA player performance. Using data from 100 active players in the 2024-2025 season, paired t-tests were conducted to compare Box Plus Minus (BPM) and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) across normal and abnormal seasons.
The analysis provides evidence that mental and emotional stress has a measurable effect on performance, highlighting the importance of resilience and mental well-being in achieving long-term athletic success.
Key Findings
Extenuating Life Circumstances have a statistically significant effect on NBA player performance.
Paired t-tests indicated a statistically significant difference in average BPM and PER between seasons with or without extenuating life circumstances, with p = 0.000035 for BPM and p = 0.0012 for PER.
Performance Change (BPM)
Performance Change (PER)
65% of players recorded a higher average BPM, 30% recorded a lower average BPM, and 5% experienced no change in BPM.
69% of players recorded a higher average PER, 27% recorded a lower average PER, and 4% experienced no change in PER.
Higher BPM or higher PER represents better on-court performance.
BPM combines a player's offensive and defensive contributions into a single metric, highlighting their impact on overall team success.
PER measures a player's per-minute efficiency, focusing primarily on their individual impact by possession.
BPM is useful for understanding a player's two-way impact, while PER highlights offensive efficiency. Together, they provide a comprehensive and efficient evaluation of a player's overall effectiveness, and are used to evaluate player performance.