A moderated mediation analysis on the influence of social support and cognitive flexibility in predicting mental wellbeing in elite sport

Psychol Sport Exerc. 2023 Nov 9:102560. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102560. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism by which social support influences mental wellbeing. Using the thriving through relationships model to provide a theoretical underpinning, cognitive flexibility was hypothesised as a mediator. Additionally, the research examined the consistency of this pathway between elite athletes, retired athletes, and non-athletes. Survey responses from a sample of 247 participants (n = 49 elite athletes, n = 61 retired athletes, n = 137 convenience sample; n = 127 males, n = 120 females) were included in the analysis. Initial mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect pathway from social support to mental wellbeing through cognitive flexibility. Moderated mediation analysis revealed this pathway was significant for retired athletes and the convenience sample, but not for elite athletes. Results provide additional insight into the mechanisms by which social support influences wellbeing. Furthermore, cognitive flexibility interventions may not appropriate for elite athletes.PMID:37951453 | DOI:10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102560
Source: Psychology of Sport and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Source Type: research