The effect of teaching neuro-linguistic programming strategies on sports anxiety, selective attention, and performance of taekwondo athletes

Abstract

Athletes consistently strive to achieve peak performance. In this pursuit, maintaining optimal attention levels and reducing anxiety are considered key factors influencing optimal athletic performance. This has led researchers in sports psychology to focus on the relationship between psychological strategy training and its role in managing attention and anxiety. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) strategy training on reducing sports anxiety, enhancing selective attention, and improving performance in taekwondo athletes.

This study was applied in purpose and utilized a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test–post-test control group design, including a one-month follow-up period. For this purpose, 40 taekwondo athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (receiving NLP training) or a control group. The research instruments included the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) by Smith et al. (1990), the Sports Performance Questionnaire by Charbonneau et al. (2001), the standard Poomsae form of the World Taekwondo Federation, and the d2 Test of Attention. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23, employing descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods (Multivariate Analysis of Covariance with repeated measures) at a significance level of 0.05.

The findings indicated that NLP strategy training significantly led to a reduction in sports anxiety, an increase in selective attention, and an improvement in the athletic performance of the participants. Furthermore, the intervention effects remained stable during the one-month follow-up period. Based on the results obtained, the use of Neuro-Linguistic Programming strategies is recommended as an effective interventional method for reducing anxiety, enhancing focus, and promoting athletic performance in taekwondo athletes.