Investigation of the relationship between athlete-students' rumination levels and cognitive flexibility

The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between athletes' rumination levels and cognitive flexibility, as well as to investigate how these two variables vary and relate according to selected demographic factors. The study sample consisted of 404 students actively engaged in sports at Bayburt University during the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. A relational screening model, one of the quantitative research methods, was employed, and data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Sport Competition Rumination Scale, and the Cognitive Flexibility in Sport Scale. The obtained data were analyzed using various statistical methods, including percentage and frequency distributions, Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA, with Bonferroni corrections applied where necessary. As a result of the analyses conducted in the study, a significant relationship was found between the control sub-dimension of the Athlete Cognitive Flexibility Inventory and age, and significant differences were also identified in the control sub-dimension in terms of gender. Significant relationships were also observed between sport experience and both sport competition rumination and the alternatives subscale of cognitive flexibility. Regarding weekly training intensity, significant differences were found between groups in terms of total cognitive flexibility scores. Furthermore, when examining the belief in the positive effect of psychological support on performance, significant differences in sport competition rumination scores were identified among groups. While sport competition rumination was significantly correlated with total cognitive flexibility and the alternatives subscale, no significant relationship was found with the control subscale. In conclusion, the participants' rumination levels may be particularly associated with their capacity for generating alternatives.