THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF MINDFULNESS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON SUBJECTIVE VITALITY OF STUDENT–ATHLETES

Joseph O. Adelusi, Solomon B. Oguntuase

Abstract


The dual roles of student-athletes pose some threats to their subjective vitality and overall well-being as they struggle to balance the dual responsibilities. This unique population requires substantial physical and mental energy to balance the competing demands, as prolonged exposure to stressors may lead to burnout and diminished vitality. However, the present study examined the predictive roles of mindfulness and social support on the subjective vitality of student-athletes.  A total of 287 student-athletes [male, n=167 (52.8%); female, n=120 (41.8%)] from two public universities in South-west Nigeria participated in the study. The age range was between 16 and 31 years. The measures completed by the participants were the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire (PASS-Q) and the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants. The multiple regression analyses revealed that both mindfulness (β = .055, t = 3.031, p < .05) and social support (β = .242, t = 7.668, p < .05) independently and jointly (F(2,284) = 36.413, p < 0.05) predicted subjective vitality in student-athletes, with social support emerging the most potent predictor. It was further indicated that mindfulness and social support combined accounted for a 19.8% variation in the prediction of subjective vitality. The findings provide insight into understanding the significant predictive roles of mindfulness and social support of student-athletes. The findings emphasized the need for educational institutions and athletic programs to implement mindfulness training and enhance social support systems for student-athletes in order to improve subjective vitality.

 

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mindfulness, social support, subjective vitality, student-athletes

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v12i6.6033

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