Comparison of attention levels and problem solving skills of combat sports and some other sports athletes

This study aimed to examine the relationship between attention levels and problem-solving skills in individuals actively engaged in combat sports (boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, muay thai, kickboxing, wrestling) and other sports branches (football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, athletics, etc.). The study also analyzed the tendencies of these skills to differ according to demographic variables such as gender, type of sports branch, level of sports participation, and education level. The research was conducted on 146 licensed athletes (n=146) from clubs affiliated with the Yalova Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Problem-Solving Skills Scale (PSSS) were used as data collection tools. The obtained data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 program; descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses were applied. Findings: High averages were obtained in the Selectivity, Concentration, and General Arousal sub-dimensions of athletes' attention levels (X̄ ≈3.9–4.0). The gender variable had no significant effect on attention levels. Athletes engaged in combat sports were found to have higher problem-solving confidence and approach-avoidance attitude scores compared to other sports branches. Significant negative correlations were found between total attention scores and problem-solving skills (r = -0.251 to -0.439). Conclusion: This study revealed that athletes' attention and problem-solving skills are influenced by factors such as the type of sports branch and gender. In particular, combat sports were found to increase athletes' problem-solving confidence, but excessive attention load may negatively affect strategic decision-making. The findings contribute to the development of training programs and mental preparation strategies in the field of sports psychology.