Investigation of mental endurance levels of canoe athletes in sport: a cross-sectional study

Background and Study Aim Material and Methods Mental endurance is considered akeypsychological component that influences athletic performance, particularly in sports that demand high levels of focus and persistence. The aim of the study was to investigate the level of mental endurance in athletes engaged in canoeing. The sample of the study consisted of 163 voluntary canoe athlete students who were studying in the faculties of sport sciences and doing canoeing as licensed students, selected by simple random sampling method. In order to collect the necessary data in the study, the 'Mental Endurance Scale in Sport' was used. The scale consists of the sub-dimensions 'Trust', 'Continuity', and 'Control'. In the analyses of the data, t-test and ANOVA test were used. Statistically, the level of error p<.05 was accepted as Alpha (alpha). Results As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the control sub-dimension according to the gender variable of the students in the sample. It was found that there was a significant difference in terms of age variable. The students aged between 18-20 years were more self-confident, while the students aged between 21-23 years showed more control and continuity. In the sport branch variable, it was found that there was a significant difference in the 'Trust' and 'Control' sub-dimensions, and the effect value was at a moderate level. It was determined that there was a significant difference in the sub-dimension of confidence in the variable of years of doing sports, and the effect value was at a moderate level. The self-confidence of the students who had been doing sports between 1 and 3 years was higher. Conclusions In addition to the physical training and technical skills-enhancing practices of student athletes in sports schools, it will give positive results to carry out actions to increase mental endurance in order to be ready for sportive activities (competitions, recreative activities, etc.). Especially female students or younger students can be less affected by the negativities that may develop instantly within the framework of the difficulties of the sports branch.