Stress management training program to improve mental well-being and performance of athletes: A pilot study
TL;DR
The integrated MBSR–CBT stress management program demonstrated satisfactory content validity and preliminary feasibility based on expert evaluation, and these findings support further pilot testing with athletes to assess acceptability, implementation, and preliminary effects before its effectiveness on stress, mental well-being, and athletic performance can be established.
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the content validity and preliminary feasibility of an integrated stress management training program for athletes. A Research and Development design adapted from the Borg and Gall model was employed, focusing on program development and expert validation. The program integrated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques across seven structured sessions. Three experts in sports psychology, coaching, and Papuan socio-cultural contexts evaluated the program using a five-point validation instrument. Quantitative data were analyzed using Aiken’s V and Cronbach’s alpha, while qualitative feedback was thematically analyzed to guide program refinement. The seven-session program demonstrated high content validity (Aiken’s V = 0.805), internal consistency (α = 0.888), and an overall feasibility score of 86.3%. Session-level feasibility scores ranged from 81.3% to 89.3%, indicating consistently positive expert evaluations. Qualitative feedback supported refinements in content clarity, implementation procedures, and cultural relevance. The integrated MBSR–CBT stress management program demonstrated satisfactory content validity and preliminary feasibility based on expert evaluation. These findings support further pilot testing with athletes to assess acceptability, implementation, and preliminary effects before its effectiveness on stress, mental well-being, and athletic performance can be established.