The Associations among Body Awareness, Rumination, and Reflection in College Athletes

Athletes frequently encounter psychological challenges, and psychological interventions that promote effective adjustment play a significant role in supporting their mental well-being. Psychological issues, such as depression, have been linked to rumination and reflection, making it crucial to reduce rumination while promoting reflection. Although studies have demonstrated that body awareness is associated with rumination and reflection, other associated factors warrant further exploration. This study aimed to examine the associations of body awareness, rumination, and reflection, with coping strategies serving as mediating variables, in college athletes. The results showed that bodily distress is associated with rumination through the mediation of positive interpretation, while awareness of bodily feeling is associated with reflection through the mediation of information seeking, positive interpretation, planning, and responsibility shifting. These findings suggest that body awareness and coping strategies, particularly those that actively engage with problems and emotions, are crucial for reducing rumination and fostering reflection in college athletes. Therefore, psychological interventions aimed at reducing rumination and promoting reflection should incorporate strategies that alleviate bodily distress, enhance awareness of bodily sensations, and encourage a positive attitude toward problems and emotions.