Investigation of the Effect of Cognitive Control and Cognitive Flexibility Skills on Mental Well-Being in Athletes

Abstract

Studies show that individuals with high mental well-being have better psychological and physical health and higher quality of life. It is thought that revealing the components that may be related to mental well-being will play an essential role in determining the factors that will contribute to the mental well-being of individuals. In this context, the study examines the predictive levels of cognitive control and cognitive flexibility of mental well-being. Two hundred fifty active athletes aged 18 and 37 ((X) over bar = 22.47 +/- 2.74) studying at Ataturk University and Erzurum Technical University Sports Sciences Faculties were included. "Cognitive Control and Cognitive Flexibility Scale in Stressful Situations" and "Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale" were used as data collection tools in the study. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine to what extent cognitive control and cognitive flexibility factors predicted mental well-being. The results showed a positive relationship between mental wellbeing, cognitive control, and cognitive flexibility and that cognitive control and cognitive flexibility predict 40.4% of mental well-being. As a result, athletes' cognitive control and cognitive flexibility capacities have a significant effect on their mental well-being and that interventions to improve these cognitive characteristics will contribute positively to their mental well-being.