The Efficacy Of A Mental Skills Training Course For Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Psychological skills training has been shown to improve athletic performance. However, few studies have looked at the efficacy of mental skills training programs in young athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction of a mental skills course in collegiate athletes. METHODS: We conducted a 6-session mental skills training program with Division I female collegiate athletes during the fall of 2020. Athletes completed pre-course, post-course, and 4-month questionnaires to assess efficacy and satisfaction of the course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the athletes were not actively competing at the time of the course or during follow-up surveys. Demographic information was collected and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI, range=0-84) and Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI, range=8-56) were used to assess coping skills and mental toughness at all time points. Satisfaction was assessed on a ten-point scale, with 10 being most satisfied. RESULTS: Fifty-four Division I female athletes participated in the program. Mean age was 19.8 years, 61% reported training in their sport for 8 or more months a year, 26% reported history of mental health conditions, and 22% reported being injured or recovering at the time of participation. For participants with paired pre- and post-course data (n=37, 68.5%), MTI scores improved by a mean 2.6 points (95% CI=1.1-4.1; p=0.001) and ACSI scores improved by a mean 4.0 points (95% CI=0.6-7.4; p=0.02) from pre- to post-course. For participants with paired pre-course and four-month follow-up data (n=25, 46.2%), no change was detected in mean MTI score (p=0.72). However, mean ACSI increased by 3.4 points from pre-course to four-month follow-up (95% CI=0.4-6.4; p=0.03). Overall satisfaction had a median score of 9/10 at the post-course assessment, and eighteen participants (18/37, 48.6%) shared positive free-text comments regarding course delivery, content, and impact. No negative feedback was reported. CONCLUSION: Following a 6-session mental skills course in collegiate female athletes, mental toughness and coping skills scores significantly improved at post-course assessment, with athletes reporting high satisfaction with course content and overall positive experiences.