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. 2023 Aug 29:14:1232929.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232929. eCollection 2023.

Association of mindfulness on state-trait anxiety in choking-susceptible athletes: mediating roles of resilience and perceived stress

Yiwei Tang  1 , Longjun Jing  1 , Yang Liu  2 , Huilin Wang  2
Affiliations

Association of mindfulness on state-trait anxiety in choking-susceptible athletes: mediating roles of resilience and perceived stress

Yiwei Tang et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Introduction: It is a well-documented psychological phenomenon for athletes to experience abnormal performance on the field, often called choking. Negative emotions such as perceived stress and state-trait anxiety have been linked to this phenomenon. In an effort to delve into the intricate relationship between mindfulness and state-trait anxiety among athletes susceptible to choking, this study was conducted in Central China during the period from October to November 2022.

Methods: The sample selection process employed a combination of cluster sampling and random sampling, resulting in a total of 377 viable samples encompassing choking-susceptible athletes who frequently grapple with state-trait anxiety and demonstrate performance deviations. The data analysis was executed utilizing AMOS v.26.

Results: The results indicate a negative association between mindfulness and perceived stress (standardized coefficient = -0.224, p < 0.001), resilience and perceived stress (standardized coefficient = -0.237, p < 0.001), as well as perceived stress and state-trait anxiety (standardized coefficient = 0.510, p < 0.001). The positive impact of mindfulness on state-trait anxiety is mediated by resilience and perceived stress (standardized indirect effect = 0.237, p < 0.001). The explanatory power of this study is R2 = 0.35.

Discussion: Drawing from these substantial findings, a key recommendation is to implement mindfulness training programs for athletes prone to choking. This proactive measure, facilitated by sports departments, clubs, and coaches, could potentially alleviate state-trait anxiety, enhancing athletes' mental well-being and optimizing their performance outcomes during competitions.

Keywords: choking-susceptible athletes; mindfulness; perceived stress; resilience; state-trait anxiety.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The hypothesized model.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Structural path model. ***p < 0.001. Standardized coefficients are reported.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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