The Effectiveness of Stress Management Training through Spiritual Therapy Content on Sports Anxiety: a Quasi-Experimental Study

Given the periodic nature of badminton and the rapid maneuvers involved in it, a special attention should be given to psychological skills in addition to technical and tactical skills, since psychological skills play a significant role in improving the performance of badminton players. Athletes often experience certain conditions which negatively influence their performance. Moreover, the sport anxiety may lead to the occurrence of various mental and behavioral disorders and, consequently, to poor athletic performance, especially during competitions. Since badminton is a sport requiring instant movements and total concentration, staying calm and minimizing the anxiety and stress levels can greatly and positively contribute to increasing the players’ concentration. Spirituality, often defined as personal beliefs and actions influenced by a relationship with God or a superior power in the world, has been considered as an important and effective factor in promoting the mental health. Reducing stress through spiritual therapy is a type of psycho-educational intervention that helps people practice mental meditation. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine the effects of stress management training based on the content of spiritual therapy on sport anxiety of the females from Mazandaran invited to the selective camp of the country's adult badminton championship.