Comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies

The gap

Evidence profile

Stated in the limitations and recommendations and cells research gap and cells future research sections of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 7 journals.

Supporting evidence — 7 representative gaps

• Multidimensional performance characteristics of youth academy and club soccer players (2026) · PLOS One · doi

  A key strength of this study is the multidimensional approach, incorporating psychological, cognitive, physical, and matu- rational factors. The inclusion of multiple constructs of EF tasks and mental skills and motivation dimensions, allows for a more comprehensive exploration of factors that may be associated with selection status and potential indicators of players development in youth soccer. The broad dimension of measurement allows for a more comprehensive understanding of individual differences that may contribute to talent development. This study also has several limitations. The relatively small sample size limits statistical power and generalizability. The academy players had participated in the talent development program for five months prior to testing, which intro- duces uncertainty regarding whether observed differences reflect selection effects or developmental changes. The cross- sectional design prevents causal conclusions about long-term developmental trajectories. Additionally, the high intra-individual variability and developmental sensitivity of EF may reduce the likelihood of detecting group differences in cross-sectional design [101,105]. Future research should therefore include longitudinal designs and assess measurement reliability within the target population. Lastly, this study did not include soccer-specific tests or measured sociological fac- tors, both of which may significantly impact performance.

  generalstated in limitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: development differences developmental factors allows comprehensive selection players soccer measurement individual talent cross sectional design
• Psychological hesitation and its relation to the performance level of diving skill among second year female students (2026) · Journal of Physical Education · doi

  1. Design and implement psychological training programs simultaneously with the instruction of the diving skill and focus on the building of self-confidence, reduction of anxiety and training students on rapid decision-making during motor performance. 2. Use mental imagery and visualization techniques as effective strategies to reduce psychological hesitation and increase self-efficacy feelings before performance. 3. Offer a supportive, non-threatening educational environment with emphasis on positive encouragement, avoiding harsh evaluation, particularly during the learning stages of complex and dangerous skills. 4. Gradually introduce skill learning, beginning with simple, controlled situations and progressing to full dives, giving students time to psychologically and skill-wise adapt. 5. Introduce periodic testing of psychological hesitation levels within educational assessments to identify cases that need additional psychological support and continuous follow-up. 6. To increase the awareness of the importance of the psychological aspect in teaching sports skills through specialized workshops and training courses for the students in physical education and sports sciences faculties. 7. Use experimental designs to conduct future studies to test the effectiveness of specific psychological interventions to reduce psychological hesitation and improve skill performance.

  generalstated in recommendationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: psychological skill training students performance hesitation self reduce increase educational learning skills introduce sports design
• Mental Training Levels in Disabled Elite Athletes (2026) · CBÜ Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi · doi

  The findings of this study revealed that mental training skills showed significant differences according to demographic variables such as gender, sport branch, age and educational level. In this context, it is important that future research continues to examine the relationship between mental skills training and individual differences in more depth. In particular, it should be emphasized how mental training can be developed more effectively with customized programs according to the personal characteristics of the athlete. Differences in mental training skills between different sports offer a broader perspective on how athletes with disabilities use their mental strategies more intensively. In this regard, studies in goalball and wheelchair basketball are critical in understanding how mental training contributes to athletes overcoming their physical and emotional limits. Furthermore, the finding that individuals with less athletic experience had higher mental training skills emphasizes the importance of early mental training programs for young athletes. These findings are consistent with the literature explaining that as athletes gain 280 CBU Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 2026, 21(2), 270-283 experience, mental strategies become more automatic and unconsciously optimize their performance. Therefore, the development of specific mental training programs for young athletes may support their long-term development. Research to be conducted in line with these suggestions will help us better understand the factors affecting the mental skills of athletes and will make important contributions to the sport psychology literature. Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest. Researchers’ Statement of Contribution Rate: Research Design HYC, Statistical analysis ARA, Preparation of the article HYC, Data Collection was carried out by HYC.

  generalstated in recommendationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: mental training athletes skills differences sport programs according important strategies physical experience young literature development
• The effect of mental toughness on the relationship between irrational performance beliefs and trait anxiety levels of Turkish athletes: a mediation analysis (2026) · Pensar en Movimiento Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud · doi

  RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH The findings of this study may be limited by the cultural context in which the athletes were raised and live. Therefore, these topics could be investigated at an international level, incorporating athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds. Given that an individual's beliefs are shaped by environmental factors such as family and peers, as well as their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to past challenges, future studies could examine the relationship between athletes' irrational performance beliefs and the irrational beliefs of their parents and coaches, who are significant influencers. In addition to cross- sectional studies, practical counseling sessions or training programs based on the Acceptance 17 and Diffusion-based Training (ADDT) implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of athletes' irrational performance beliefs and foster the development of their necessary mental skills. Based on the findings of this study, given that irrational performance beliefs, mental toughness, and trait anxiety are interrelated and that mental toughness and trait anxiety are considered aspects of personality, future research could investigate the relationship between irrational beliefs and constructs from personality theories. This study employed quantitative research design. Further in-depth investigations into these topics could be conducted by incorporating experimental, qualitative, and applied approaches.

  generalstated in recommendationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: beliefs irrational athletes future performance based mental cultural topics incorporating given relationship training toughness trait
• Impact of selected cognitive abilities on the level of offensive and defensive skills in female basketball players: a pilot study (2026) · Human Movement · doi

  There is a lack of studies that have utilized qualitative methodologies to identify specific cognitive-motor 'markers' of player performance. - The influence of mental factors on athletes' performance is well-documented, but few studies have examined the relationship between cognitive predispositions and decision-making in basketball players.

  generalstated in cells research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: there lack studies have utilized qualitative methodologies identify
• A narrative review of mental health interventions and biopsychosocial risk factors in adolescent athletes (2026) · Discover Mental Health · doi

  There is a need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies for mental health in adolescent athletes. - The current literature highlights the importance of considering the biopsychosocial and ecological factors that influence mental health in adolescent athletes.

  generalstated in cells research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: there need comprehensive prevention intervention strategies mental health
• Physical and Cognitive Predictors of Badminton Short Serve Mastery in High School (2026) · ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review · doi

  Future studies should examine the relationships between physical and cognitive factors and technical mastery in other sports and contexts. - Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of training programs and interventions that target arm muscle strength and concentration to improve short serve mastery.

  generalstated in cells future researchevidence 4/5
  Keywords: future studies examine relationships between physical cognitive factors

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