RETRACTED: Effects of “Mindfulness Acceptance Insight Commitment” Training on Flow State and Mental Health of College Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study

Abstract

This research explores the intervention effect of the mindfulness acceptance insight commitment (MAIC) training program on the mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health of college swimmers. A sample of 47 college swimmers from a regular university was recruited and randomly divided into two groups before the intervention. Independent variables between groups are psychological training mode (MAIC training/no training), and the independent variable within group was time (pre-test, post-test, and continuity test). The dependent variables are mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health (anxiety, depression, training, and competition satisfaction). Results show that after the intervention of MAIC training, the mindfulness level of athletes’ flow state has been significantly improved, whereas anxiety and depression significantly decreased. In addition, the satisfaction with training and competition significantly improved. In the continuous stage after the intervention, the mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health of athletes are still significantly higher than those in the pre-test. The comparison of the post-test and continuity test show no significant differences in the mindfulness level, flow state, depression, and training and competition satisfaction of athletes. Still, the anxiety level shows an upward trend with a significant difference. This study demonstrates that the MAIC mindfulness training program can significantly improve the mindfulness level, flow state, anxiety, depression, and training and competition satisfaction of college swimmers with a good continuity effect. Thus, the athletes’ sports experience can be improved, and good psychological benefits can be attained.

Effect of yoga and mindfulness on psychological correlates in young athletes: A meta-analysis

“…Practicing yoga that connects the mind and body and regulates arousal could lighten the burden of stress and anxiety disorders [ 42 ]. The present study consistently reported significant results with several studies [ 20 , 22 , 30 , 31 , 42 ]. A meta-analysis of nine experimental trials observed that mindfulness practice constantly regulates mindfulness scores.…”

“… First author and year of the study Study design Setting Participants' Intervention/Control Participant's Age Mean (S.D.) Intervention Comparison Outcomes Goodman 2014 [ 20 ] RCT Participants were African, American, Caucasian, and other 13/13 Intervention group; 20.23 (1.53) 90-min group intervention sessions immediately followed by 1-hr Hatha yoga sessions- 5 Weeks Control group Acceptance and Action Questionnaire Version–II (Experiential avoidance) Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale Perceived Stress Scale Dehghani M, 2018 [ 21 ] RCT Iran 15/16 Intervention group; 23.44 (0.49) years/control group; 22.34 (0.34) years Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) for eight sessions Control group Action and Acceptance Questionnaire (AAQ) Ning, 2022 [ 22 ] RCT China 24/24 Intervention group; 22.34 (2.17) years Psychological training mode (MAIC training) Control group Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Competitive State Anxiety Inventory Flow state scale Liang, 2021 [ 23 ] RCT China 14/10 Intervention group; 20.85 (1.46)/control group; 21 (1.16) 30-min -convenient progressive relaxation training (PRT)- 4 Weeks Control group Competitive State Anxiety Inventory Mehrsafar, 2019 [ 24 ] RCT Iran 13/13 Intervention group:M = 24.6, (2.5) years, control group: 26.2, (2.3) years An 8-week Mindfulness-based intervention Control group Competitive State Anxiety Inventory Scott–Hamilton, 2016 [ 25 ] RCT Australia 27/20 Intervention group: 38.96, (12.4)/Control group:40.65, (10.88) Eight-week mindfulness meditation intervention Control group Five facet mindfulness questionnaires ...…”

Assessing Decentering Capacity in Athletes: A Moderated Mediation Model

“…Many studies and reviews have emphasised the importance of these factors for improving performance [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Athletes with more self-confidence are more likely to see anxiety as a functional sign and use it to improve their performance [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…College students’ levels of anxiety and depression can be reduced by mindfulness practice, which is widely used to control emotions and relieve stress [ 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Additionally, acceptance-based intervention techniques are used to raise athletes’ performance levels, demonstrating the value of improving athletes’ flow state experiences in the context of sports [ 57 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. Furthermore, mindfulness training might enhance athletes’ sporting experiences while also providing psychological benefits [ 65 , 66 ].…”

The Effect of Mindfulness Intervention on the Psychological Skills and Shooting Performances in Male Collegiate Basketball Athletes in Macau: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…A series of follow-up MAIC intervention studies targeting athletes of dart throwing, shooting sports, and swimming showed that MAIC training could significantly improve their psychological outcomes (mindfulness, acceptance, flow state, anxiety reduction, training, competition satisfaction, etc.) as well as their athletic performance [16][17][18][19].…”