The Mediating Role of Positive Self-Perception on Psychological Distress, Empathy and Mental Toughness in Athletes

Authors : Sermin Ağralı Ermiş, Nisanur Canikli Temel, Rabia Yıldız Öztürk, Ebru Dereceli

Pages : 153-167

Doi:10.46463/ijrss.1694950

View : 98 | Download : 204

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of positive self-perception on psychological distress, empathy, and mental resilience in athletes. The relational screening model was used in the study. The research group consists of 303 athletes studying at a state university in the Aegean Region in the fall semester of 2024. Data were collected via Google Form through an online survey form prepared with the approval of the ethics committee. Oxford Positive Self Scale, Empathy in Sports Environment Scale, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, and Mental Toughness Scale were used as data collection tools. Data were evaluated with independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression analyzes via SPSS program. According to the findings, positive significant relationships were determined between positive self-perception and empathy and mental resilience, and negative significant relationships were determined between positive self-perception and psychological distress. Regression analyses revealed that positive self-perception significantly predicted empathy and mental resilience, and was also effective in reducing psychological distress. These results suggest that positive self-perception plays an important role in athletes\\\' psychological resilience and social-emotional skills.
Keywords : Sporcu, benlik algısı, sıkıntı, empati, zihinsel dayanıklılık

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