Investigation of ruminative thinking and sport-specific anxiety levels in athletes

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between ruminative thought patterns arising during competition processes and sport-specific anxiety levels (somatic anxiety, worry, and concentration disruption) in athletes, using a descriptive and relational approach. The study seeks to determine the effects of high performance expectations on athletes' cognitive processes and to contribute to psychological preparation strategies. The study sample consists of 343 athletes—168 male and 175 female—active in various sports disciplines. The Sport Competition Rumination Scale and the Athlete Anxiety Scale-2 were used as data collection tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple linear regression analysis. The findings indicate that competition rumination has a significant and predictive effect on worry, concentration disruption, and somatic anxiety. While rumination levels were found to be similar across genders, female athletes exhibited significantly higher scores for somatic anxiety and concentration disruption compared to male athletes. It was determined that anxiety management and focusing skills improved with increased sports experience, whereas anxiety scores increased with higher levels of education. Furthermore, the finding that athletes receiving family support had lower anxiety levels highlights the protective role of social support. In conclusion, it was determined that ruminative thoughts regarding negative post-competition experiences increase future performance anxiety; accordingly, it is recommended that psychological intervention programs aimed at reducing rumination be implemented and family support mechanisms be strengthened.