Impact of a multimodal cognitive behavioural intervention on stress mindset, irrational beliefs, and performance perception in female soccer players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5016/bjsphd.v1i1.19438Keywords:
Mental health; Female athletes; Cognitive-behavioral interventionAbstract
The mental health of female athletes has received increasing attention, but many teams lack adequate psychological support. This study tested a novel multimodal cognitive-behavioural intervention, based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), with insights into stress mindset, threat and challenge appraisals, self-compassion and mental imagery. Fourteen one-time top-flight football players from the Republic of Ireland participated in six sessions, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention and two-week follow-up. Results revealed significant increases in stress mindset and reductions in self-deprecation, ‘getting worse’ behaviour and low frustration tolerance, with effects maintained at follow-up. No significant changes in perceived performance or traits were observed, suggesting that such an intervention could significantly modify stress mindset and irrational traits in female athletes.
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