Original Article

Mental Training Implementation and Perceived Outcomes Among Student-Athletes in Team Sports: Evidence for the Development of a Mental Training Program

Divino Dave E. Mendoza

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas City, Philippines
Email: divinodave06@gmail.com    

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of mental training practices and their perceived outcomes among student-athletes participating in team sports at Lipa City Colleges. Specifically, the study assessed the extent to which mental training strategies, including goal setting, visualization, relaxation and focus techniques, self-talk and confidence building, and team cohesion strategies, were implemented among varsity athletes. It also investigated the perceived outcomes of these practices in relation to performance readiness, confidence and motivation, stress and anxiety management, game-time focus, and teamwork and cooperation. A quantitative descriptive–correlational research design was employed. The study involved 186 senior high school and college student-athletes selected through total enumeration sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, t-test, and Pearson product–moment correlation. The findings revealed that mental training practices were consistently implemented across all measured dimensions, with team cohesion strategies and goal setting receiving the highest ratings. Likewise, the perceived outcomes of mental training were rated to a very high extent, particularly in terms of teamwork and cooperation and performance readiness. Significant differences in both mental training implementation and perceived outcomes were observed when respondents were grouped according to selected profile variables. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was identified between the level of mental training implementation and the perceived outcomes of mental training, indicating that stronger implementation of psychological skills training is associated with more favorable psychological and performance-related outcomes among student-athletes. The study highlights the importance of integrating structured mental training interventions within athletic programs and provides empirical support for the development of a mental training program designed to strengthen psychological preparedness, enhance performance readiness, and promote holistic athlete development in team sports.

Keywords

mental training, psychological skills training, student-athletes, team sports, athletic performance

Full Article

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Suggested APA Citation

Mendoza, D. D. E. (2026). Mental training implementation and perceived outcomes among student-athletes in team sports: Basis for a proposed training program. QualiSearch Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 2(5). https://doi.org/10.66437/qjerp.v2i5.008             

Copyright and Licensing

This article is published under an open-access model by QualiSearch Academic Press. Authors retain copyright of their work while granting the journal the right to publish and disseminate the article for scholarly and educational purposes.

Peer Review Statement

This article underwent editorial screening and double-blind peer review prior to publication in the QualiSearch Journal of Educational Research and Practice (QJERP).

Ethical Approval Statement

This study received ethical clearance from the Graduate School of Education, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas City. Approval was granted prior to data collection in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and NPC Circular No. 2023-04. All involved institutions issued formal permission to conduct the study, and informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation were strictly upheld.

Author Bio

Divino Dave E. Mendoza earned the degree of Master of Arts in Education major in Physical Education and Sports from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas City. His scholarly interests focus on sport psychology, athlete development, mental skills training, psychological readiness, and performance enhancement in educational and athletic settings. His research examines the role of mental training strategies in strengthening confidence, motivation, stress management, focus, teamwork, and overall athletic performance among student-athletes. Through his academic and professional engagements, he advocates for the integration of evidence-based psychological preparation into athletic development programs to support holistic athlete growth and performance excellence.

Correspondence

Divino Dave E. Mendoza

University of Perpetual Help System- DALTA, Las Piñas City, Philippines

divinodave06@gmail.com