Influence Of Mindfulness Training On Mental Focus And Sport Performance In Young Athletes

Abstract

Mindfulness training has emerged as a promising psychological intervention in sport psychology, focusing on present-moment awareness without judgment. This study investigates the influence of mindfulness training on mental focus and sport performance among young athletes aged 14-22 years. The primary objectives include examining the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on attentional capacity, competitive anxiety reduction, flow state enhancement, and overall athletic performance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed with 120 young athletes from various sports disciplines divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent an 8-week Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) training program. Data were collected using standardized psychological instruments including the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), and Flow State Scale (FSS). The hypothesis states that mindfulness training significantly improves mental focus and sport performance among young athletes. Results indicate statistically significant improvements in mindfulness levels (SMD=1.08, p=0.004), sustained attention scores, and reduced competitive anxiety (p<0.05) in the experimental group compared to controls. The findings confirm that structured mindfulness programs effectively enhance psychological parameters essential for athletic success. In conclusion, incorporating mindfulness training into athletic development programs can substantially benefit young athletes' mental focus and competitive performance.