Cognitive Distortions and Their Relationship with Attentional Control among Iraqi University Futsal Players

Mahmood Moutar Ali Al-Badrani; Ali Abdul-Ilah Younis Al-Hayali

doi:10.35724/mjpes.v8i2.7490

Mahmood Moutar Ali Al-Badrani
Ali Abdul-Ilah Younis Al-Hayali College of Physical Education*Corresponding Author and Sport Sciences, University of Mosul, Iraq.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35724/mjpes.v8i2.7490

Keywords: Cognitive Distortions, Attentional Control, Futsal, University Athletes, Scale Validation, Sport Psychology.

Abstract

The present study aimed to: (1) develop a scale for measuring cognitive distortions among futsal players; (2) identify the levels of cognitive distortions and attentional control among futsal players; and (3) examine the relationship between cognitive distortions and attentional control among futsal players. The researchers hypothesized the existence of a negative correlation between cognitive distortions and attentional control among futsal players. A descriptive methodology was employed, utilizing both survey and correlational approaches due to their suitability for the nature of the study. The research population consisted of futsal players representing Iraqi university teams in the northern region during the academic year (2024–2025), totaling 144 players distributed across 12 universities.

The study procedures were conducted on this population as both the construction and application samples. The construction sample comprised 104 players, representing 72.22% of the total population. Four players from the University of Mosul were excluded due to their participation in the pilot study; thus, the final construction sample consisted of 100 players. The application sample included 40 players, representing 27.77% of the total research population. To achieve the study objectives, appropriate statistical methods were employed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

The findings revealed a significant inverse relationship between cognitive distortions and attentional control. Specifically, lower levels of cognitive distortions were associated with higher levels of attentional control among players, as indicated by the correlation coefficient. The researchers recommended the necessity of raising students’ awareness regarding the risks of cognitive distortions, as these distortions may hinder their capabilities. This should be addressed through a comprehensive program supervised by specialists in the field.