Effects of brief online mindful sport performance enhancement on athletes' mental health, emotion regulation, and performance: a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial.

A 6-day online mindfulness program for student-athletes improved emotional regulation and protected against declines in mental health, but did not significantly affect suppression of emotions, subjective well-being, or self-rated performance. Fifty-three participants were randomly assigned to the program or a waitlist. Quantitative analysis showed significant improvements in mental health and reappraisal, while qualitative reports from eight participants indicated perceived gains in mindfulness, emotional control, focus, and performance. The brief online intervention appears feasible for supporting psychological functioning in student-athletes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

A growing body of sports psychology research has focused on mindfulness-based training in sports environments. This study examined the effects of a 6-day online Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement program on mental health, emotion regulation (reappraisal and suppression), and athletic performance in student-athletes. Fifty-three participants were randomly assigned to experimental or waitlist control groups. Pre- and post-test data were collected using the Sports Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Emotion Regulation Scale for Athletes, and a Self-rated Performance Questionnaire. Additionally, eight participants from the experimental group joined a post-intervention focus group interview. Results from 2×2 mixed-design ANOVAs revealed significant interaction effects for the mental health continuum (η p 2=0.242) and reappraisal (η p 2=0.240), suggesting improved emotional regulation and protection against mental health declines. However, suppression (η p 2=0.008), subjective well-being (η p 2=0.055), and self-rated performance (η p 2=0.005) showed no significant improvements. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived benefits of the intervention, such as increased mindfulness, better emotional control, and improved focus and performance. In conclusion, although statistical improvements were limited to select outcomes, the 6-day online MSPE intervention appears to be a brief, feasible approach for supporting the psychological functioning of student-athletes.