Mindfulness and self-rated performance among novice athletes in China: a sequential mediating role of flow and cognitive anxiety.
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2025 Jian Peng, Longjun Jing, Peng Wang et al. 1 citation
Among 315 novice athletes in Changsha, China, mindfulness was negatively correlated with cognitive anxiety, while flow and self-rated performance also showed negative links to cognitive anxiety. Cognitive anxiety mediated the relationship between flow and self-rated performance, and together flow and cognitive anxiety acted as a chain mediator between mindfulness and self-rated performance. The findings suggest that for novice athletes, flow and reduced cognitive anxiety may be key mechanisms through which mindfulness improves how they perceive their own performance. Coaches can use mindfulness practices to help novices in suboptimal competitive states enhance performance perception, aiding their transition to elite roles.