Cognitive flexibility and creativity in athletes

Aim: This study aimed to examine the levels of cognitive flexibility and creativity among individual and team sport athletes in relation to various variables and to determine the relationship between them. Material and Method: The research was conducted using the relational screening model. The sample consisted of 583 athletes (274 female and 309 male) who had been actively participating in various sports branches for at least three years. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory for Athletes, and the Creativity Scale for Athletes. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were used in the analysis of the data. Results: No significant differences were found in the levels of cognitive flexibility and creativity according to the participants' gender. It was determined that athletes participating in team sports scored higher in the control sub-dimension of cognitive flexibility. National athletes and those who engaged in mental training were found to have higher scores in certain sub dimensions of cognitive flexibility and in creativity levels. In addition, both age and years of sports experience were positively associated with cognitive flexibility and creativity. Weekly training frequency was found to be significantly associated only with creativity levels. Furthermore, a strong and positive relationship was identified between cognitive flexibility and creativity. Conclusion: According to the research findings, a strong relationship was identified between cognitive flexibility and creativity. Additionally, it was determined that national athletes, those who engage in mental training, and team sport athletes demonstrated higher scores in certain sub-dimensions of cognitive flexibility. Moreover, both age and years of sports experience were found to have a positive effect on cognitive flexibility and creativity, while weekly training frequency was significantly associated only with creativity.