Analysis of Socio-Emotional Competencies as a Key Dimension for Sustainability in Colombian Elite Athletes

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article "Analysis of socio-emotional competencies as a key dimension for sustainability in Colombian elite athletes" is an interesting one.  The overall conception, execution and reporting are well done. However, it appears that the article was first written in Spanish and then translated. There are specific concerns that pertain to the length of sentences which make it difficult for a reader to understand the message. The specific concerns include:

1. Page 2, line 45: Here the authors assume that a reader already knows "balance between these three elements", yet this is the first sentence in the introduction. I suggest inclusion of the three elements by name for clarity.

2. Page 2, line 56:  "mastering leadership strategies, or maintaining communication". Instead of or, it should be "and".

3. Page 2, line 61: "identity work and emotional development (8,9) and social (10)". It appears that development should come at the end of the sentence instead of middle.

4.  Page 2, line 78:  "The resolution also addressed the strategic role that sports, and physical activity play in accomplishing the 17 sustainable goals". The authors should discuss the Sustainable development goals and then try to connect their study to them at this point of the paper. Otherwise, as it is the reader is lost when it comes to '17 sustainable goals' is their is no prior context provided.

5. Page 2, lines 88-94: This one long sentence needs to be broken down into short clearer sentences.

Other long sentences that needed breaking up include page 3, lines 131-134; page 4, lines 172-176; page 4 lines 193-197; page 4 lines 197-201; page 5 lines 229-233.

6. Page 3, line 109: "According to van Driel and Gantz (van Driel & Gantz, 2021), a love of sports can contribute to happiness." This line is not well connected with the sentence before and the one after. Better flow needed here.

7. Typo for correction on page 4, line 165.

8. Page 6 line 268: The description "collective sports" would better be replaced with "team sports". This should be throughout the article including in all tables.

9. Page 7, line 294-297: This sentence needs editing for clarity: " In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013), the athletes gave their consent before beginning the questionnaire prior to participation and the process for completing it using the aforementioned platform was explained.

10. Page 8, line 342: "On the other hand" is not needed as males show higher averages on all constructs.....just delete it and rephrase the sentence.

11. It is necessary that all tables are referred to in the preceding paragraph. Do this for all tables.

12. Table 3 on page 8: The title is in Spanish. A translation is needed.

13. Page 8, lines 354 and 356- typos to be deleted....t

14. Page13, lines 422-424: Edit for clarity

15. Page 13, lines 445....The fact that the evils presented.... what evils?

 

Secondly, the entire paragraph (lines 445-453) is just one sentence and no reader can follow what the authors are communication. Break up sentence into shorter ones.

16. Replace 'Collective' with 'team' on pages 9 and 14 (lines 488 -492)

Comments on the Quality of English Language

My comments on language are included in the comments above.

Author Response

The article "Analysis of socio-emotional competencies as a key dimension for sustainabilit in Colombian elite athletes" is an interesting one.  The overall conception, execution and reporting are well done. However, it appears that the article was first written in Spanish and then translated. There are specific concerns that pertain to the length of sentences which make it difficult for a reader to understand the message. The specific concerns include:

Dear reviewer, thank you very much for your work. We proceed to modify and reply to each of your comments.

 

1. Page 2, line 45: Here the authors assume that a reader already knows "balance between these three elements", yet this is the first sentence in the introduction. I suggest inclusion of the three elements by name for clarity.

Yo tampoco se cuales son los 3 elementos.

 

2. Page 2, line 56:  "mastering leadership strategies, ormaintaining communication". Instead of or, it should be "and".

Thank you for your suggestion for improvement. It has been modified.

 

3. Page 2, line 61: "identity work and emotional development (8,9) and social (10)". It appears that development should come at the end of the sentence instead of middle.

Thank you for your suggestion for improvement. It has been modified.

 

4. Page 2, line 78:  "The resolution also addressed the strategic role that sports, and physical activity play in accomplishing the 17 sustainable goals". The authors should discuss the Sustainable development goals and then try to connect their study to them at this point of the paper. Otherwise, as it is the reader is lost when it comes to '17 sustainable goals' is their is no prior context provided.

Thank you very much for your comment. We have added a few sentences to establish the link between the sustainable objectives and our paper.

 

5. Page 2, lines 88-94: This one long sentence needs to be broken down into short clearer sentences.

Other long sentences that needed breaking up include page 3, lines 131-134; page 4, lines 172-176; page 4 lines 193-197; page 4 lines 197-201; page 5 lines 229-233.

Thank you very much for your appreciation. All sentences have been modified to make them easier to understand.

 

6. Page 3, line 109: "According to van Driel and Gantz (van Driel & Gantz, 2021), a love of sports can contribute to happiness." This line is not well connected with the sentence before and the one after. Better flow needed here.

Thank you very much for your comment. Modifications have been made to improve the flow.

 

7. Typo for correction on page 4, line 165.

No se a qué se refiere el revisor.

 

8. Page 6 line 268: The description "collective sports" would better be replaced with "team sports". This should be throughout the article including in all tables.

Thank you very much for the improvement aspect. All changes have been made.

 

9. Page 7, line 294-297: This sentence needs editing for clarity: " In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013), the athletes gave their consent before beginning the questionnaire prior to participation and the process for completing it using the aforementioned platform was explained.

Thank you very much for your suggestion. The sentence has been modified to make it easier to understand.

 

10. Page 8, line 342: "On the other hand" is not needed as males show higher averages on all constructs.....just delete it and rephrase the sentence.

Thank you very much. The amendment has been made.

 

11. It is necessary that all tables are referred to in the preceding paragraph. Do this for all tables.

You are absolutely right, all the tables have been quoted.

12. Table 3 on page 8: The title is in Spanish. A translation is needed.

Thank you very much for your appreciation. The title has been rewritten in English.

 

13. Page 8, lines 354 and 356- typos to be deleted....t

Thank you very much for your appreciation. The typos have been corrected.

 

14. Page13, lines 422-424: Edit for clarity

The content has been modified to make it easier to understand.

 

15. Page 13, lines 445....The fact that the evilspresented.... what evils?

This is a typo. It has been fixed.

 

Secondly, the entire paragraph (lines 445-453) is just one sentence and no reader can follow what the authors are communication. Break up sentence into shorter ones.

Thank you very much for your comment. Your request has been acted upon.

 

16. Replace 'Collective' with 'team' on pages 9 and 14 (lines 488 -492)

This change has been made throughout the text.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article presents an appealing and contingent theme for high-performance sport. However, it is suggested to specify the theoretical framework that supports the research proposal, since there are substantive differences between the referenced theories, for example "multiple intelligences", a topic discussed and problematised from the cognitive sciences.  On the other hand, the introduction lacks a common thread; it would seem that the story is configured from the variables of the study, and not from what is reported in the literature with respect to socioemotional competences, and it is therefore suggested that empirical studies along these lines be incorporated that have used the same data collection instrument in high performance. The discussion needs to be deepened with respect to the object of study, i.e. socioemotional competences in high-performance athletes, problematising with studies that have reported similar or contradictory findings. Finally, the conclusions must necessarily consider the implications and consequences for sport and high performance in particular.

Author Response

The article presents an appealing and contingent theme for high-performance sport. However, it is suggested to specify the theoretical framework that supports the research proposal, since there are substantive differences between the referenced theories, for example "multiple intelligences", a topic discussed and problematised from the cognitive sciences.  On the other hand, the introduction lacks a common thread; it would seem that the story is configured from the variables of the study, and not from what is reported in the literature with respect to socioemotional competences, and it is therefore suggested that empirical studies along these lines be incorporated that have used the same data collection instrument in high performance. The discussion needs to be deepened with respect to the object of study, i.e. socioemotional competences in high-performance athletes, problematising with studies that have reported similar or contradictory findings. Finally, the conclusions must necessarily consider the implications and consequences for sport and high performance in particular.

Dear reviewer. First of all, thank you very much for your time and for the aspects of improvement.  We have made several changes throughout the manuscript that we believe have improved the quality of the manuscript. However, some of the requests you have asked us to make are not possible. Due to the novelty of the study there are no similar studies with high performance athletes, but there are with students. Therefore, the theoretical framework of our work focuses on highlighting the importance of socio-emotional skills in this population. We encounter the same problem in the discussion. Finally, we have added in the conclusions the implications and consequences for sport and high performance in particular.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article analyzed how academic background, gender, age, sport type, and modality influenced elite Colombian Olympic and Paralympic athletes' socio-emotional competencies. The layout is logical. The overall reception is positive. Here are some suggestions:

1.The author discusses gender differences and notes that males score higher than females in some areas. However, could a more in-depth explanation be provided for these differences? Are there potential societal or cultural factors, among other background influences, that might contribute to these variations?

2.While discussing differences in sports modality and types of sports, the author mentions some distinctions. Could there be further exploration into the possible reasons for these differences? Factors such as athlete training methods, team cooperation, and competitive pressures may influence these variations.

3. Are there other unconsidered factors that might have influenced the results? It is advisable for the author to explicitly address the limitations of the study and suggest directions for future research that could further explore these aspects.

4. It is recommended that the author offer some suggestions in the conclusion, especially aimed at coaches, sports organizers, or policymakers, to foster a more comprehensive development of social-emotional skills.

Author Response

This article analyzed how academic background, gender, age, sport type, and modality influenced elite Colombian Olympic and Paralympic athletes' socio-emotional competencies. The layout is logical. The overall reception is positive. Here are some suggestions:

Thank you very much for your appreciations and comments, we will try to answer them below.

 

1.The author discusses gender differences and notes that males score higher than females in some areas. However, could a more in-depth explanation be provided for these differences? Are there potential societal or cultural factors, among other background influences, that might contribute to these variations?

We have tried to justify more consistently the possible reasons for the differences found between men and women, including new quotes and trying to improve the argumentation.

 

2.While discussing differences in sports modality and types of sports, the author mentions some distinctions. Could there be further exploration into the possible reasons for these differences? Factors such as athlete training methods, team cooperation, and competitive pressures may influence these variations.

We have tried to put forward possible reasons for these differences found in sports modality and types of sports, including new quotations that have allowed us to refine the argumentation on possible explanations for these differences.

 

3. Are there other unconsidered factors that might have influenced the results? It is advisable for the author to explicitly address the limitations of the study and suggest directions for future research that could further explore these aspects.

Indeed, we consider it very important to explain explicitly the limitations of the study as well as possible suggest directions for future research. We have therefore proceeded to include a specific section on Limitations and Future Research.

4. It is recommended that the author offer some suggestions in the conclusion, especially aimed at coaches, sports organizers, or policymakers, to foster a more comprehensive development of social-emotional skills.

Indeed, as you point out, we have included in the conclusions section, and therefore in a synthetic form, some suggestions, especially aimed at sports organisers, processes in which coaches would be included.

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

It is a research paper of great interest among many researchers.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you very much for your quick and positive reply.

Reviewer 5 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors, 

I would like to congrats you on the articles carried out, it is very original and provides relevant information to both coaches and players on the importance and improvement of socio-emotional competences in sportsmen and women.

However, it is necessary to carry out some improvements in order to improve the quality of the article (fila attached). 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear reviewer. Thank you very much for your work and all your suggestions. We will proceed to make all changes and answer your concerns.

 

The author must rewrite the whole text in an impersonal manner and try not to use the pronoun “we”. In the same way, reviewing each section's verb tense is recommended. Introduction (past tense), Method (past tense), Results (past tense), Discussion (present tense), and Conclusions (present tense). Likewise, the format of the quotes is not correct, you must add the quote number between square brackets, and inside them, separate it by a comma.

 

Thank you very much for your comment. We have made the changes.

 

1. Title.

Good selection of the title. It shows the aim of the study. Put each initial letter of the words in caps.

Thank you for your suggestion. It has been carried out.

 

2. Abstract.

The abstract shows a great structure and sums up the key points of the study. However, an aim sentence must be added. Also, the headings are not necessary for the abstract structure.

 

Thank you very much. We have added the sentence in the abstract.

 

3. Keywords.

3.1.) Good selection of keywords.

 

4. Introduction.

4.1.) Good structure. However, some quotes must be added in order to support the sentences or ideas established by the authors.

4.2.) From my point of view the introduction section is too long and it could be reduced to a deep mood. This section must contain the main ideas of the study to contextualize the reader about the topic investigated.

 

5. Materials and Method.

5.1.) Design. The authors must include a “design” section. To establish the design followed to carry out thenpresent study (theoretical study). It’s recommended to use the following methodologist:

2

1. Montero, I.; León, O.G. A Guide for Naming Research Studies in Psychology. Int. J. Clin. Heal.

Psychol. 2007, 7, 847–862.

2. Ato, M.; López-García, J.J.; Benavente, A. A Classification System for Research Designs in

Psychology. Ann. Psychol. 2013, 29, 1038–1059, doi:10.6018/analesps.29.3.178511.

 

5.2.) The following sentence must be relocated in the procedure section: “This study was conducted online using the Internet platform Google Forms in Spanish (https://docs.google.com/forms/).

 

The sentence has been moved to procedure section.

 

6. Results

6.1.) This section is clear.

6.2.) Change the comma with a dot in the tables shown.

6.3.) The title of the table is not in English, please review it. The same with the footer of the table 2.

 

Thank you very much for your improvement aspect. The changes have been made.

 

7. Discussion

7.1.) The author must add a paragraph with the strengths, limitations and future research lines at the end ofthe discussion section.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your request has been dealt with.

 

8. Conclusion.

8.1.) This section is clear. Answer the initial problematic proposal.10. Title of Site. URL (archived on Day Month Year).

No se a que se refiere

9. References.

The references are not correct. For more information visit the URL below:

https://www.mdpi.com/authors/references.

Thank you very much. The changes have been made.

Reviewer 6 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This is an article about the socio-emotional competitiveness of Colombian athletes. Because the data source of this study is cross-sectional data, and because of design problems, I don't think this study can be considered for publication.

First, about the introduction. The introduction is very long, but the discussion is very scattered and unfocused. In fact, the authors have not elaborated on the summary of the existing research and the value and contribution of this study.

Secondly, about the result. The presentation of the results is very inconsistent with the scientific requirements, and it seems that the authors are somewhat casual. I suggest that the authors should revise it step by step in the future and present your analysis results according to the paradigm of this kind of research.

Finally, the format of the full text is very confusing, which I think is very disrespectful to the reviewers. At least for me, this is the basic requirement.

Author Response

This is an article about the socio-emotional competitiveness of Colombian athletes. Because the data source of this study is cross-sectional data, and because of design problems, I don't think this study can be considered for publication.

First, about the introduction. The introduction is very long, but the discussion is very scattered and unfocused. In fact, the authors have not elaborated on the summary of the existing research and the value and contribution of this study.

Secondly, about the result. The presentation of the results is very inconsistent with the scientific requirements, and it seems that the authors are somewhat casual. I suggest that the authors should revise it step by step in the future and present your analysis results according to the paradigm of this kind of research.

Finally, the format of the full text is very confusing, which I think is very disrespectful to the reviewers. At least for me, this is the basic requirement.

Dear reviewer, first of all, thank you very much for your very constructive comments which have undoubtedly helped us to improve the quality of our manuscript. We hope that you will appreciate the improvement that this one has shown. We would like to comment that due to the novel aspect of our manuscript there is a lack of similar articles, hence we have decided to keep the structure used in our article.

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

All my questions have been addressed properly.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for your time and all your work.

Best regards,

Reviewer 5 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article is correct and ready for publishing 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for your time and all your work.

Best regards,

Reviewer 6 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

As the authors mentioned that they think there is a lack of research on this topic and the article is novel, so they decided to keep this structure and expression. In fact, I respect unconventional operation, but I refuse illogical expression. In my first round of peer review, I put forward a more conventional revision. Obviously, the authors have not revised it. If even the most basic scientific norms can't be achieved, then I don't think this research has any novelty and contribution. Therefore, I'm sorry that I don't think this research can be accepted for publication.

Author Response

Dear reviewer, first of all, we appreciate your understanding that the authors, since this is a new article, have decided to keep this structure and expression that we have already used in other articles published in different prestigious journals. We regret that you consider that, within the structure used, there are illogical expressions. In this sense, we have proceeded to extensively review the complete document, taking into account all the suggestions of the group of reviewers. In this sense, since you considered that the introduction was very long, but the discussion was very scattered and unfocused, work has been done in the document to promote a greater balance between introduction and discussion. In this regard, a considerable number of sentences have been restructured, the wording of the entire document has been revised and new arguments supported by different prestigious scientific publications have been included in the discussion section to improve the consistency and focus of the discussion.

On the other hand, when you indicated that the authors have not elaborated on the summary of the existing research and the value and contribution of this study. We would like to indicate that they have been included, in addition to citing new studies and corresponding arguments in the introduction and in the discussion , a new section of “4.7. Limitations and Future Research” within the discussion as well as, in the conclusions section, indications for institutions and practical applications.

Finally, we positively value all your contributions and comments and, in order to perfect the manuscript, we have once again reviewed the different aspects that you comment on and proceeded to try to improve them.

Round 3

Reviewer 6 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

It can be said that this is what I want to see. Thanks to the authors for their efforts. But I have to point out that, as iThenticate shows, your repetition rate exceeds the highest requirement, and I hope you can revise it as much as possible.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions. What is true is that once the document is analysed with the repetition rate, it pertains to issues that can hardly be expressed in any other way. However, we will go through the document again to improve the repetition rate.

Best regards,