The mediating role of mental fatigue awareness in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among combat athletes
BMC Psychology, cilt.14, sa.1, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s40359-026-04960-1
- Dergi Adı: BMC Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Combat athletes, Mediation model, Mental fatigue awareness, Perceived stress, Psychological well-being
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Combat athletes face unique psychological demands, and stress may influence both their cognitive experiences and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of mental fatigue awareness in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among combat athletes, thereby contributing to a clearer understanding of a potential cognitive mechanism linking stress to well-being in this population. Methods: A total of 303 combat athletes voluntarily participated. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Mental Fatigue Awareness Scale, and Psychological Well-being Scale. Statistical analyses assessed the direct effects of perceived stress on psychological well-being, the effect of stress on mental fatigue awareness, and the potential mediating role of mental fatigue awareness. Results: Perceived stress significantly increased mental fatigue awareness (b = 0.732, SE = 0.064, β = 0.549, p = 0.001) and directly decreased psychological well-being (b = − 0.488, SE = 0.166, β = − 0.191, p = 0.004). Mental fatigue awareness negatively affected psychological well-being (b = − 0.374, SE = 0.124, β = − 0.195, p = 0.003) and partially mediated the relationship between stress and well-being (indirect effect: b = − 0.274, SE = 0.115, β = − 0.107, p = 0.003; 95% CI = − 0.504 to − 0.049). Conclusion: Perceived stress was associated with psychological well-being both directly and indirectly through increased mental fatigue awareness. These findings suggest that mental fatigue awareness may represent a relevant cognitive pathway linking stress perceptions to well-being. Accordingly, stress management and strategies aimed at regulating mental fatigue may be considered as potentially beneficial components in efforts to support psychological well-being among combat athletes.