The role of implicit beliefs about emotions and emotion regulation on psychological adjustment: a study among youth athletes

Purpose Youth psychological health and well-being are currently alarming. Young athletes face the same stressors as their non-athletic peers, in addition to unique challenges related to sports. This study aimed to understand the role of self-control and emotion regulation on the young athlete’s psychological well-being, while also considering the influence of implicit beliefs about emotions. Methods One-hundred and forty-five athletes ranging from 15 to 21 (16.21 ± 1.44) completed an online survey with selfreport measures of trait anxiety, perceived stress, positive and negative affect, subjective happiness, life satisfaction, implicit beliefs about emotions, self-control, and emotion regulation. Results Findings suggested that implicit beliefs about emotions and self-control predicted better psychological adjustment, whereas expressive suppression was associated with poorer outcomes. However, self-control and emotional regulation were mediators of the relationship between implicit beliefs and psychological adjustment. Conclusions Incremental beliefs about emotions are central to promoting the young athlete’s psychological adjustment and well-being.