Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a mental skills training program on mental skill acquisition and sport performance satisfaction in adolescent competitive gymnasts. Mental blocks can have detrimental effects on athlete confidence, motivation, and mental health. Mental skills training has been found to be an effective intervention for addressing sport performance blocks, but the impact on performance satisfaction has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: A mixed methods quasi-experimental study was completed using convenience sampling methods to select competitive gymnasts who train at one facility in the United States to participate in an eight-week mental skills training program. Semi-structured interviews with athletes and coaches were completed before and after the mental skills intervention to collect qualitative data for thematic analysis. The Subjective Sport Performance Satisfaction Scale and the Psychological Skills Inventory for Sports – Short Form – Youth Version were also administered before and after the intervention to assess mental skills and sport performance satisfaction. Results: Participants consisted of 46 competitive artistic gymnasts between the ages of 6 and 17. After completing the eight-week intervention, sport performance satisfaction scores psychological skill inventory scores both increased by a statistically significant margin. Athletes also reported success with the integration of taught strategies into practice and competition settings and improvement in mental blocks. Discussion: This study provides qualitative and quantitative data in an emerging area of practice for occupational therapy practitioners that incorporates social-emotional learning, sensory integration, and coping interventions into a sport setting to promote engagement in a valued leisure occupation. Mental skills training was found to be an effective intervention for promoting mental health, teaching coping skills, and supporting participation in a valued sporting activity.
Faculty Mentor
Shannon Strate OTD, MS OTR/L
Graduation Date
2026
Document Type
Poster
Genre
Research; Program development
Recommended Citation
Cass, Acadia, "The Effect of Mental Skills Training on Adolescent Gymnast's Sport Performance Satisfaction" (2026). Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones. 75.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/otd_capstone/75
