Journal of Sports and Motor Development and Learning
Scientific Journal

The Relationship between Self-Supportive Behaviors, Basic Psychological Needs, Sleep Quality, and Mindfulness in Athletes

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license

Authors

Zohreh Khalilpourshiraz 1
Behzad Behzadnia 2
Mohammad Taghi Aghdasi 3

1 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tabriz, Tabriz. Iran.

2 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tabriz, Tabriz. Iran .

3 Department of Motor Behavior , Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tabriz, Tabriz. Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22059/jsmdl.2024.381111.1795
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-supportive behaviors, basic psychological needs, sleep quality, and mindfulness in athletes.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive‑correlational design. The study population consisted of male and female athletes aged 20‑30 years who had at least three years of regular experience in a competitive sport (team or individual) and were members of a sports team in Tabriz. A total of 134 athletes were selected via convenience sampling. They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Self‑Supportive and Self‑Thwarting Behaviors Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a positive, significant relationship between self‑supportive behaviors and basic psychological need satisfaction, as well as between self‑thwarting behaviors and basic psychological need frustration.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that athletes who cultivate more self‑supportive behaviors experience, have greater need satisfaction, and consequently exhibit higher mindfulness and better sleep quality, which may be effective to enhance their athletic performance. Therefore, it is recommended that coaches use self‑supportive behaviors in interventions designed to help athletes self‑regulate and enhance basic psychological need satisfaction, thereby improving both performance and mental health.

Keywords

Self-determination theory
Self-supportive behaviors
Self-thwartive behaviors
Athletes
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Journal of Sports and Motor Development and Learning
Volume 18, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 5-22

  • Receive Date 18 August 2024
  • Revise Date 05 October 2024
  • Accept Date 08 October 2024

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