Relationship between Mindfulness and Competitive Anxiety among Athletic High-School Students: Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation

Introduction: The relationship between mindfulness and competitive anxiety in athletes, particularly regarding the function of emotion regulation, remains an under-researched area.
Objective: This study aims to explore the relationships among mindfulness, emotion regulation, and competitive anxiety in young athletes.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive-correlational approach, utilizing structural equation modeling for data analysis. A sample of 194 athletic adolescents was gathered through convenience sampling, and standardized measurement tools were used to assess the research variables. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS version 4.
Results: The findings revealed a significant relationship between competitive anxiety (P=0.000, t=-5.56, and b=0.42) and emotion regulation (P=0.000, t=3.25, and b=0.31) within the context of mindfulness. Furthermore, a substantial structural relationship was identified between emotion regulation and competitive anxiety, indicated by P=0.000, t=-4.41, and b=0.39. Importantly, the results suggest that emotion regulation acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between mindfulness and competitive anxiety, supported by a p-value of 0.000, a t-value of 4.12, and a b coefficient of 0.22, highlighting the statistical significance of this association.
Conclusion: The findings recommends that athletes incorporate mindfulness meditation into their training regimens to enhance their emotion-regulation capabilities. This practice can help athletes manage their emotional states during competitions, mitigate the effects of negative evaluations and external pressures, and foster a positive competitive mindset.