Mindfulness and self-rated performance among novice athletes in China: a sequential mediating role of flow and cognitive anxiety.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between mindfulness, flow, cognitive anxiety, and self-rated performance in competitive sports, moving away from traditional cognitive-behavioral principles to investigate mindfulness-based interventions, specifically mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions (MABI). The research is centered on understanding how mindfulness relates to the self-rated performance, flow experiences, and cognitive anxiety in novice athletes. Convenience sampling and snowball sampling were employed to collect cross-sectional data from 315 participants in Changsha, China, during August and September 2023. Utilizing a structural equation model, the study examined the association between mindfulness and the self-rated performance of novice athletes. Mindfulness, flow, and self-rated performance were all negatively correlated with cognitive anxiety, and cognitive anxiety mediated the relationship between flow and self-rated performance. Additionally, flow and cognitive anxiety served as a chain mediation between mindfulness and self-rated performance. The findings suggest that for novice athletes, flow and cognitive anxiety may be crucial mechanisms through which mindfulness improves self-rated performance. When coaches face novice athletes experiencing suboptimal competitive states, they can utilize effective mindfulness practices to enhance the athletes' perception of their performance. This can help novices transition to elite roles and integrate more quickly into the professional sports arena.