Author(s): R Teja and Dr. Sandeep

Abstract:

The study “'The Role of Mindfulness Techniques in Reducing Performance Anxiety in Athletes” explored common challenge faced by athletes, often impairing their ability to perform optimally in high-pressure environments. This study investigates the impact of an 8-week mindfulness intervention on reducing performance anxiety among athletes, focusing on both psychological and physiological outcomes. A total of 100 athletes, aged 18-35, were recruited and divided into intervention and control groups, representing various individual and team sports. The intervention group underwent a structured mindfulness program, incorporating meditation, body scanning, and mindful breathing, while the control group maintained their regular training routines.

Psychological assessments included the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Physiological outcomes were measured through heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol levels. Results revealed significant reductions in both cognitive and somatic anxiety within the intervention group, with mean cognitive anxiety scores dropping from 28.6 to 18.9 and somatic anxiety scores decreasing from 26.4 to 16.7 (p < 0.01). Mindfulness levels increased significantly, with FFMQ scores improving from 92.7 to 112.4 (p < 0.01). HRV metrics, particularly RMSSD, showed enhanced autonomic regulation, increasing from 32.5 ms to 48.3 ms, while cortisol levels decreased from 6.7 nmol/L to 4.3 nmol/L (p < 0.01).

These findings underscore the effectiveness of mindfulness techniques in reducing performance anxiety by fostering emotional resilience and physiological regulation. This study highlights the practical benefits of integrating mindfulness into athletic training programs to enhance performance and mental well-being. Future research should explore long-term effects and its integration with other psychological interventions for comprehensive athlete development.

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