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The Direct and Indirect Effects of Irrational Beliefs on Perceived Performance: The Mediation Role of Emotions and Automatic Thoughts

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between irrational beliefs and perceived performance and the atemporal mediator role of emotions and automatic thoughts in this relationship. A cross-sectional study design with a convenient sampling method was used in the study. Participants included 395 athletes from basketball, football, handball, and volleyball and consisted of 267 male (Mage = 20.73, SD = 2.37) and 128 female (Mage = 21.33, SD = 2.17) athletes who voluntarily participated in the study. Data was analyzed via a path analysis and irrational beliefs were shown to negatively predict positive emotions and positive automatic thoughts, but these beliefs positively predicted negative emotions and negative automatic thoughts. The direct effect of irrational beliefs on perceived performance was not significant, but its indirect effect on perceived performance through emotions and automatic thoughts was significant. Irrational beliefs negatively predict perceived performance through emotions and automatic thoughts. It is concluded that emotions and automatic thoughts play a significant role in the relationship between irrational beliefs and perceived performance.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychological Counselor, Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education, Burdur, Turkey

    Osman Urfa

  2. Faculty of Sport Sciences, Fenerbahce University, Atatürk St. Atasehir Blvd. Metropol Istanbul E Blok, Atasehir, 34758, Istanbul, Turkey

    Fevziye Hülya Aşçı

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  1. Osman Urfa
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Urfa, O., Aşçı, F.H. The Direct and Indirect Effects of Irrational Beliefs on Perceived Performance: The Mediation Role of Emotions and Automatic Thoughts. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 41, 432–453 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-022-00489-5

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