Examining the relationship between the decision-making styles of basketball referees and their mental well-being

In this study, the influence of mental well-being on the decision-making styles of basketball referees was examined. This descriptive study was conducted using a screening model. Active field referees within the Turkish Basketball Federation for the 2023-2024 season were included in the study. Due to the ongoing basketball season, the sample was formed using a convenience sampling method. Of the referees participating in the study, 86.4% (n: 342) were male and 13.6% (n: 54) were female. Among these referees, 7.6% were Class A, 14.6% were Class B, 46.7% were Class C, and 31.1% were local referees. The average age of the participating referees was 27.85, with an average refereeing experience of 7.77 years. For data collection, a personal information form, the "Melbourne Decision Making Scale" adapted to Turkish by Deniz (2004), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) developed by Keldal (2015), were utilized. Data analysis involved using t-tests for pairwise comparisons, Pearson's correlation coefficient for determining relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression. The study found no significant difference between referees' genders regarding decision-making styles and mental well-being. A positive and significant relationship was found between referees' age and experience with self-respect in decision-making and mental well-being. A negative relationship was observed between the referees' age and experience with buck-pasing, procrastination, and hypervigilance. There was a positive and significant relationship between basketball referees' levels of mental well-being, self-respect, and vigilant. A negative and significant relationship was found between mental well-being and avoidant, procrastinating, and panic decision-making styles. This suggests a strong relationship between mental well-being and decision-making styles. Key Words: Referee, Basketball, Decision Making, Mental Well-being