Examining the relationship of mental skills and techniques with stress, depression and anxiety

The aim of this research is to examine the relationships between mental skills and technical levels and depression, anxiety and stress levels of athletes who continue their sports life as licensed sportsmen in different sports branches. In this context, 230 men (51.6%) ( age = 25.63±5.69) and 216 women (48.4%) ( age = 25.21±5.56) were included in the study. A total of 446 athletes participated voluntarily. The research was designed in the relational screening model. Within the scope of the research, Personal Information Form, Mental Training Inventory in Sports and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale created by the researchers were used as data collection tools. In the analysis of the data, first the skewness and kurtosis values were examined for normality assumptions and it was determined that the data showed a normal distribution. In this regard , T-Test was used to determine the differences between individuals' mental training and depression, anxiety and stress levels according to gender and sports branch variables. In addition, Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between variables within the scope of the research. When the results obtained within the scope of the research were examined, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the groups according to gender and sports branch variables. While no significant relationship was detected between the total score of mental training according to the variables of age and years of doing sports, it was determined that there were significant relationships with the sub-dimensions of the DASS-21 scale. In addition, it was determined that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the mental training skills and techniques included in the research and depression, anxiety and stress. In conclusion; Within the scope of the main problem of the research , it can be stated that as the mental training levels of athletes increase, their depression, anxiety and stress levels will decrease. Key Words: Sports, Mental Training, Depression, Anxiety , Stress