The relationship between burnout levels and mindfulness of university students-athletes

Background and Study Aim Material and Methods Athlete burnout is a common issue that negatively affects the performance and well-being of athletes. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between burnout levels and mindfulness of students who are active athletes. Descriptive analysis and correlational research model were utilized in the study. As data collection tools in the study, "Personal Information Form" including demographic information of the students was requested at first. Two scales were used: The "Athlete Burnout Scale," developed by Raedeke and Smith and adapted into Turkish by Kelecek et al.; The "Athlete Mindfulness Scale," developed by Thienot et al. and adapted into Turkish by Tingaz. The research group consisted of a total of 378 people, 96 women and 282 men, who were selected by random sampling method, actively practicing sports. In the study, t-test was used for pairwise comparisons and ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons. Pearson Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between mindfulness and burnout levels. Results In the study, it was found that there were significant differences in burnout levels depending on the gender variable and in some mindfulness sub-dimensions depending on the branch variable. In addition, it was determined that there was a significant negative relationship between burnout levels and mindfulness levels. Conclusions The study found that active sports students with high mindfulness levels had lower levels of burnout, indicating that mindfulness may play a role in reducing burnout. While there were differences in mindfulness sub-dimensions based on age and sport type, overall mindfulness levels did not differ significantly.