The Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness Intervention Course on Performance under Pressure, Competitive-State Anxiety and Flow State of Novice Male Badminton Players

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences and Technology in Sport, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ms, Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences and Technology in Sport, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose Although studies on mindfulness in sports have grown considerably, short-term interventions in this area have rarely been investigated. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a short-term mindfulness intervention on performance under pressure, competitive state anxiety, and fluency in novice male badminton players.
Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n=15) and sham intervention control group (n=15). Subsequently, during two sessions of 20 minutes each, the experimental group received mindfulness training according to sections one and two of the MAC protocol. The sham intervention control group received exactly the same number of sessions, with the content of the sessions including a review of the history, rules, and some analysis of badminton. After the end of the intervention period, post-tests on performance under pressure, competitive state anxiety, and fluency were administered to both groups.
Results The results showed a significant reduction in competitive state anxiety, a significant improvement in fluid performance, and a significant increase in performance under pressure in the experimental group compared to the pre-test and before the intervention and compared to the control group (p.>/05). These significant changes in the experimental group were maintained after the two-month follow-up test.
Conclusion: In addition to supporting the effect of a short-term mindfulness intervention on performance under pressure and reducing competitive state anxiety in athletes, this type of intervention is also suitable for long-term effects in athletes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Sports Psychology
Volume 16, Issue 2
2024
Pages 68-87

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 28 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 21 December 2024

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