Effects of the Compassionate Mindfulness Model on Pre-Competitive Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Compassion in High-Performance Taekwondo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Abstract
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a Compassionate Mindfulness Model (CMM) intervention for reducing pre-competitive anxiety and enhancing mindfulness and compassion in elite taekwondo athletes. Twenty-seven sub-21 black-belt athletes from Mexico City were assigned to either a CMM intervention group (n = 14) or an active control group receiving diaphragmatic breathing (n = 13). Outcomes were assessed at pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up using validated measures of mindfulness (FFMQ-M), compassion (ECOM), and competitive state anxiety (CSAI-2R). Mixed-design ANOVA analyses revealed significant Group × Time interactions across all ten measured factors (ηp² = .346–.792, p ≤ .002). The intervention group showed substantial increases in mindfulness and compassion, a marked reduction in cognitive anxiety (M = 19.43 to M = 6.00), and improved self-confidence, with sustained effects at follow-up. In contrast, the control group exhibited smaller, non-maintained changes. These findings support the superior and sustained efficacy of compassionate mindfulness interventions over breathing-based techniques for managing pre-competitive anxiety and enhancing psychological functioning in combat sport athletes.
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