| The Effect of Mindfulness on Competitive Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Performance: A Case Study of a Shooter |
| Paper ID : 1541-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Seyed Erfan Gharavi * Faculty of Sport Science and Health University of Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: As the use of mindfulness as a psychological tool for athletes has been increasingly recognized, the present study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness training on competitive anxiety, self-efficacy, and performance in a pistol shooter. Mindfulness-based interventions are designed to enhance present-moment awareness, regulate emotional responses, and improve attentional control—all of which are essential components of athletic performance under competitive pressure. Methods: This study employed a single-case design with a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest approach. The participant was a 25-year-old semi-professional pistol shooter with seven years of competitive experience. The athlete had no prior history of psychological counseling or mindfulness practice. The intervention consisted of an 8-session Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Training (MBCT) program, with each session lasting approximately 50 minutes. Each session included theoretical instruction, mindfulness exercises, and assigned home practice tasks. Data were collected using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory and the General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire at pretest and posttest stages. For performance assessment, the athlete’s official shooting scores were recorded from two provincial-level competitions—before and after the intervention. Results: Results: Descriptive data analysis showed that the mindfulness program led to a reduction in competitive anxiety, improved self-efficacy, and a significant increase in performance. Conclusion: Based on the findings, mindfulness interventions appear to be an effective psychological strategy for improving athletic performance, primarily through reducing competitive anxiety and enhancing focus. However, due to the single-case design, the results should be interpreted with caution. Future research should employ larger samples and controlled designs to further investigate the effectiveness and generalizability of mindfulness-based interventions among athletes. |
| Keywords |
| mindfulness, competitive anxiety, shooter athlete |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
