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

Authors

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.

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

Vansteenkiste, M., & Ryan, R. M. (2013). On psychological growth and vulnerability: basic psychological need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 23(3), 263. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032359