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Sporcularda Duygusal Zekâ ile Psikolojik Sağlamlık Arasındaki İlişkide Zihinsel Dayanıklılığın Aracı Rolü

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 47 - 64, 31.12.2025
https://izlik.org/JA49FC93KW

Abstract

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı, üniversite düzeyinde spor yapan bireylerde duygusal zekâ ile psikolojik sağlamlık arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek ve bu ilişkide sporda zihinsel dayanıklılığın aracı rolünü test etmektir
Yöntem: Araştırma ilişkisel tarama modeline dayalıdır ve örneklemi 514 üniversite öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak Duygusal Zekâ Özelliği Ölçeği, Psikolojik İyi Oluş Ölçeği ve Sporda Zihinsel Dayanıklılık Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Veriler, SPSS 26.0 ve PROCESS Macro 4.2 programlarıyla analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin normal dağılım gösterdiği belirlenmiş ve analizlerde Pearson korelasyon ve aracılık (mediation) testi uygulanmıştır.
Bulgular: Duygusal zekâ ile psikolojik sağlamlık arasında yüksek düzeyde (r=0,715), duygusal zekâ ile zihinsel dayanıklılık arasında ise düşük düzeyde (r=0,278) pozitif yönde anlamlı ilişki bulunmuştur. Ancak zihinsel dayanıklılığın psikolojik sağlamlık üzerindeki dolaylı etkisi istatistiksel olarak anlamlı çıkmamıştır (B = -0,005; %95 GA: -0,029 – 0,017).
Sonuç: Elde edilen bulgular, duygusal zekânın sporcularda psikolojik sağlamlık düzeylerini anlamlı ve doğrudan biçimde yordadığını, ancak bu ilişkinin zihinsel dayanıklılık aracılığıyla dolaylı bir yol üzerinden açıklanmadığını ortaya koymaktadır. Bu sonuçlar, spor psikolojisi uygulamalarında duygusal zekânın geliştirilmesine odaklanan yapılandırılmış eğitim ve müdahale programlarının, özellikle psikolojik sağlamlığı güçlendirmeye yönelik çalışmalar içinde önceliklendirilmesi gerektiğine işaret etmektedir.

References

  • Aizava, P. V. S., Codonhato, R. R., & Fiorese, L. (2023). Association of self-efficacy and mental toughness with sport performance in Brazilian futsal athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1195721. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195721
  • Alpar, R. (2020). Uygulamalı istatistik ve geçerlik-güvenirlik. Ankara: Detay Yayıncılık.
  • Altınışık, Ü., & Çelik, A. (2022). Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin liderlik yönelimleri ile duygusal zeka düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Spor Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(1), 225–236.
  • Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173–1182.
  • Clough, P. J., Earle, K., & Sewell, D. (2002). Mental toughness: The concept and its measurement. In I. Cockerill (Ed.), Solutions in sport psychology (pp. 32–45). London: Thomson Learning.
  • Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.10113
  • Cooper, R., & Sawaf, A. (2003). Liderlikte duygusal zekâ (1. baskı). İstanbul: Sistem Yayıncılık.
  • Cowden, R. G. (2016). Mental toughness, emotional intelligence, and coping effectiveness. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19(10), E56.
  • Crust, L. (2007). Mental toughness in sport: A review. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(3), 270–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2007.9671836
  • Curran, T., Hill, A. P., Hall, H. K., & Jowett, G. E. (2015). Relationships between the coach-created motivational climate and athlete engagement in youth sport. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 37(2), 193–198. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2014-0203
  • Çakar, U., & Arbak, Y. (2004). Modern yaklaşımlar ışığında değişen duygu-zekâ ilişkisi ve duygusal zekâ. DEÜ Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 6(3), 23–48.
  • Darlington, R. B., & Hayes, A. F. (2017). Regression analysis and linear models: Concepts, applications, and implementation. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
  • DeFreese, J. D., & Smith, A. L. (2013). Areas of worklife and the athlete burnout–engagement relationship. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 25(2), 180–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2012.705414
  • Erbektaş, E., Üzüm, H., Özen, G., Arslan, T., Ertan, G., & Elveren, A. (2017). Amatör ve profesyonel sporcuların duygusal zekâlarının bazı değişkenlere göre incelenmesi. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 17, 263–274. https://doi.org/10.11616/basbed.vi.459389
  • Erhan, S. E., Bedir, D., Güler, M. Ş., & Ağduman, F. (2015). Sporcuların psikolojik becerilerini değerlendirme ölçeğinin Türkçe geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(1), 59–71.
  • Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2012). A grounded theory of psychological resilience in Olympic champions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(5), 669–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.007
  • Fritz, M. S., & MacKinnon, D. P. (2007). Required sample size to detect the mediated effect. Psychological Science, 18, 233–239.
  • Galli, N., & Vealey, R. S. (2008). “Bouncing back” from adversity: Athletes’ experiences of resilience. The Sport Psychologist, 22(3), 316–335. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.22.3.316
  • Gameiro, N., Rodrigues, F., Antunes, R., Matos, R., Amaro, N., Jacinto, M., & Monteiro, D. (2023). Mental toughness and resilience in trail runner’s performance. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 130(3), 1202–1220. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125231165819
  • Gould, D., & Maynard, I. (2009). Psychological preparation for the Olympic Games. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27(13), 1399–1414. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903081845
  • Gu, S., & Xue, L. (2022). Relationships among sports group cohesion, psychological collectivism, mental toughness and athlete engagement in Chinese team sports athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 4987.
  • Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2009). Advancing mental toughness research and theory using personal construct psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(1), 54–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509840802705938
  • Gupta, S., & McCarthy, P. J. (2022). The sporting resilience model: A systematic review of resilience in sport performers. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 100305. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.100305
  • Guszkowska, M., & Wojcik, K. (2021). Effect of mental toughness on sporting performance: Review of studies. Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, Suppl(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.2021.Suppl.2.01
  • Gürbüz, S., & Bayık, M. E. (2021). Aracılık modellerinin analizinde yeni yaklaşım: Baron ve Kenny’nin yöntemi hâlâ geçerli mi? Türk Psikoloji Dergisi, 36(88), 1–14.
  • Gürbüz, S., & Şahin, F. (2018). Sosyal bilimlerde araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
  • Hayes, A. F. (2009). Beyond Baron and Kenny: Statistical mediation analysis in the new millennium. Communication Monographs, 76, 408–420.
  • Hayes, A. F., & Rockwood, N. J. (2017). Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation analysis in clinical research. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 98, 39–57.
  • Hodge, K., Lonsdale, C., & Jackson, S. A. (2009). Athlete engagement in elite sport. The Sport Psychologist, 23(2), 186–202. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.23.2.186
  • Jones, G., Hanton, S., & Connaughton, D. (2002). What is this thing called mental toughness? Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(3), 205–218.
  • Kalaycı, Ş. (2010). SPSS uygulamalı çok değişkenli istatistik teknikleri. Ankara: Asil Yayın Dağıtım.
  • Laborde, S., Dosseville, F., & Allen, M. S. (2016). Emotional intelligence in sport and exercise: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(8), 862–874. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12510
  • Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Progress on a cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion. American Psychologist, 46(8), 819–834. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.46.8.819 Levy, A. R., Polman, R. C. J., Clough, P. J., Marchant, D. C., & Earle, K. (2006). Mental toughness as a determinant of beliefs, pain, and adherence in sport injury rehabilitation. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 15(3), 246–254. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.15.3.246
  • Mayer, J. D. (2004). What is emotional intelligence? University of New Hampshire, Personality Laboratory. Neenan, M. (2009). Developing resilience: A cognitive-behavioural approach. London: Routledge.
  • Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185–211. https://doi.org/10.2190/DUGG-P24E-52WK-6CDG
  • Zeidner, M., Matthews, G., & Roberts, R. D. (2012). The emotional intelligence, health, and well-being nexus. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 4(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01062.x

The Mediating Role of Mental Toughness in the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Resilience Among Athletes

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 47 - 64, 31.12.2025
https://izlik.org/JA49FC93KW

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological resilience in university athletes and to test the mediating role of mental toughness in this relationship.
Method: The research is based on a correlational survey model and includes 514 university student-athletes. The Emotional Intelligence Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS Macro 4.2. Since the data were normally distributed, Pearson correlation and mediation analysis were conducted
Results: A strong positive relationship was found between emotional intelligence and psychological resilience (r=0.715), and a weak but significant positive relationship was found between emotional intelligence and mental toughness (r=0.278). However, the indirect effect of mental toughness on psychological resilience was not statistically significant (B = -0.005; 95% CI: -0.029 to 0.017).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that emotional intelligence predicts athletes’ psychological resilience levels in a significant and direct manner, but that this relationship is not explained through an indirect pathway via mental toughness. These results suggest that, in sport psychology practice, structured training and intervention programs focusing on the development of emotional intelligence should be prioritized, particularly within efforts aimed at strengthening psychological resilience.

References

  • Aizava, P. V. S., Codonhato, R. R., & Fiorese, L. (2023). Association of self-efficacy and mental toughness with sport performance in Brazilian futsal athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1195721. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195721
  • Alpar, R. (2020). Uygulamalı istatistik ve geçerlik-güvenirlik. Ankara: Detay Yayıncılık.
  • Altınışık, Ü., & Çelik, A. (2022). Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin liderlik yönelimleri ile duygusal zeka düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Spor Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(1), 225–236.
  • Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173–1182.
  • Clough, P. J., Earle, K., & Sewell, D. (2002). Mental toughness: The concept and its measurement. In I. Cockerill (Ed.), Solutions in sport psychology (pp. 32–45). London: Thomson Learning.
  • Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.10113
  • Cooper, R., & Sawaf, A. (2003). Liderlikte duygusal zekâ (1. baskı). İstanbul: Sistem Yayıncılık.
  • Cowden, R. G. (2016). Mental toughness, emotional intelligence, and coping effectiveness. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19(10), E56.
  • Crust, L. (2007). Mental toughness in sport: A review. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(3), 270–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2007.9671836
  • Curran, T., Hill, A. P., Hall, H. K., & Jowett, G. E. (2015). Relationships between the coach-created motivational climate and athlete engagement in youth sport. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 37(2), 193–198. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2014-0203
  • Çakar, U., & Arbak, Y. (2004). Modern yaklaşımlar ışığında değişen duygu-zekâ ilişkisi ve duygusal zekâ. DEÜ Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 6(3), 23–48.
  • Darlington, R. B., & Hayes, A. F. (2017). Regression analysis and linear models: Concepts, applications, and implementation. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
  • DeFreese, J. D., & Smith, A. L. (2013). Areas of worklife and the athlete burnout–engagement relationship. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 25(2), 180–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2012.705414
  • Erbektaş, E., Üzüm, H., Özen, G., Arslan, T., Ertan, G., & Elveren, A. (2017). Amatör ve profesyonel sporcuların duygusal zekâlarının bazı değişkenlere göre incelenmesi. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 17, 263–274. https://doi.org/10.11616/basbed.vi.459389
  • Erhan, S. E., Bedir, D., Güler, M. Ş., & Ağduman, F. (2015). Sporcuların psikolojik becerilerini değerlendirme ölçeğinin Türkçe geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(1), 59–71.
  • Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2012). A grounded theory of psychological resilience in Olympic champions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(5), 669–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.007
  • Fritz, M. S., & MacKinnon, D. P. (2007). Required sample size to detect the mediated effect. Psychological Science, 18, 233–239.
  • Galli, N., & Vealey, R. S. (2008). “Bouncing back” from adversity: Athletes’ experiences of resilience. The Sport Psychologist, 22(3), 316–335. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.22.3.316
  • Gameiro, N., Rodrigues, F., Antunes, R., Matos, R., Amaro, N., Jacinto, M., & Monteiro, D. (2023). Mental toughness and resilience in trail runner’s performance. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 130(3), 1202–1220. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125231165819
  • Gould, D., & Maynard, I. (2009). Psychological preparation for the Olympic Games. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27(13), 1399–1414. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903081845
  • Gu, S., & Xue, L. (2022). Relationships among sports group cohesion, psychological collectivism, mental toughness and athlete engagement in Chinese team sports athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 4987.
  • Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2009). Advancing mental toughness research and theory using personal construct psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(1), 54–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509840802705938
  • Gupta, S., & McCarthy, P. J. (2022). The sporting resilience model: A systematic review of resilience in sport performers. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 100305. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.100305
  • Guszkowska, M., & Wojcik, K. (2021). Effect of mental toughness on sporting performance: Review of studies. Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, Suppl(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.2021.Suppl.2.01
  • Gürbüz, S., & Bayık, M. E. (2021). Aracılık modellerinin analizinde yeni yaklaşım: Baron ve Kenny’nin yöntemi hâlâ geçerli mi? Türk Psikoloji Dergisi, 36(88), 1–14.
  • Gürbüz, S., & Şahin, F. (2018). Sosyal bilimlerde araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
  • Hayes, A. F. (2009). Beyond Baron and Kenny: Statistical mediation analysis in the new millennium. Communication Monographs, 76, 408–420.
  • Hayes, A. F., & Rockwood, N. J. (2017). Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation analysis in clinical research. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 98, 39–57.
  • Hodge, K., Lonsdale, C., & Jackson, S. A. (2009). Athlete engagement in elite sport. The Sport Psychologist, 23(2), 186–202. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.23.2.186
  • Jones, G., Hanton, S., & Connaughton, D. (2002). What is this thing called mental toughness? Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(3), 205–218.
  • Kalaycı, Ş. (2010). SPSS uygulamalı çok değişkenli istatistik teknikleri. Ankara: Asil Yayın Dağıtım.
  • Laborde, S., Dosseville, F., & Allen, M. S. (2016). Emotional intelligence in sport and exercise: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(8), 862–874. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12510
  • Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Progress on a cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion. American Psychologist, 46(8), 819–834. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.46.8.819 Levy, A. R., Polman, R. C. J., Clough, P. J., Marchant, D. C., & Earle, K. (2006). Mental toughness as a determinant of beliefs, pain, and adherence in sport injury rehabilitation. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 15(3), 246–254. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.15.3.246
  • Mayer, J. D. (2004). What is emotional intelligence? University of New Hampshire, Personality Laboratory. Neenan, M. (2009). Developing resilience: A cognitive-behavioural approach. London: Routledge.
  • Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185–211. https://doi.org/10.2190/DUGG-P24E-52WK-6CDG
  • Zeidner, M., Matthews, G., & Roberts, R. D. (2012). The emotional intelligence, health, and well-being nexus. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 4(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01062.x
There are 36 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Tarkan Havadar 0000-0003-3122-0324

Nurgül Kaya 0009-0004-8918-8667

Submission Date November 6, 2025
Acceptance Date December 5, 2025
Publication Date December 31, 2025
IZ https://izlik.org/JA49FC93KW
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 4

Cite

APA Havadar, T., & Kaya, N. (2025). Sporcularda Duygusal Zekâ ile Psikolojik Sağlamlık Arasındaki İlişkide Zihinsel Dayanıklılığın Aracı Rolü. 8(4), 47-64. https://izlik.org/JA49FC93KW

For the articles to be published in 2026 in the ÇOMÜ Journal of Sports Sciences, an international, peer-reviewed journal covering studies in the field of Sports Sciences, original research and review articles written in English within the scope of the journal will be accepted.

In this context, manuscripts for the 2026 publication period may be submitted until the end of November 2026.

Kind regards,

Editor
Prof. Dr. Hürmüz KOÇ