Sports & Exercise Research Volume 25 Number 3
Author：Kuo-Hsiung Cho
Period/Date/Page：Vol. 25 No. 3 (2023 / 09 / 30) ， P267 - 282
DOI：10.5297/ser.202309_25(3).0002
Impact of Mindfulness Training on Fear of Failure and Athletic Performance for High School Basketball League Players
Abstract：In recent years, mindfulness training has gradually become a popular psychological skill training for athletes. However, whether this approach helps reduce fear of failure and improve sports performance remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of mindfulness training on fear of failure and athletic performance for High School Basketball League (HBL) players. In a quasi-experimental research design, we used a convenience sample of 69 players, randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. All participants completed two self-report measures of mindfulness and fear of failure, as well as shooting performance before and after the interventions. The experimental group participated in Mindfulness Meditation Training for Sport (MMTS) 2.0 program for 30 minutes with 12 sessions, while the control group watched basketball videos. Although two participants dropped out from study, it remained valid sample of 67 (experimental group = 35; control group = 32). Results indicated that the mindfulness of the experimental group was higher than the control group, and the fear of failure was lower than the control group, but no difference in shooting performance. The MMTS version 2.0 program is a psychological skill training tool that effectively improves the level of mindfulness of athletes and reduces the fear of failure. Its short-term and group teaching form characteristics are suitable for students' mental training courses, and it has practical application in strengthening the psychological quality of student athletes. (Full text)
