Predicting Fear of Failure in University Athletes: The Roles of Mindfulness and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction

Grounded in basic psychological need theory (BPNT), this study examined the link between mindfulness, need satisfaction/frustration, and fear of failure in university athletes. A sample of university athletes ( n = 309) completed a survey form measuring the major study variables of interest. The results of regression analysis showed that mindfulness significantly and positively predicted need satisfaction, while it significantly and negatively predicted need frustration. Additionally, mindfulness significantly and negatively predicted fear of failure, while need frustration was a significant positive predictor of this outcome; however, need satisfaction did not significantly predict the outcome. Mindfulness also significantly moderated the effect of need frustration on fear of failure. These results generally align with the tenets of BPNT and suggest the buffering role of mindfulness in reducing athletes’ fear of failure.