The Relationship between Cognitive Distortions and Attentional Control among Players of Iraqi University National Futsal Teams

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and validate a cognitive distortion scale for futsal players and to examine the levels of cognitive distortions and attentional control, as well as the relationship between these constructs. The study sample consisted of 40 male university futsal players from northern Iraq. A novel cognitive distortion scale comprising 34 items across five dimensions (self-external evaluation, magnification, emotional reasoning, social comparison, and fortune-telling) and a previously validated attentional control scale were administered. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlation, and reliability analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 26). Results indicated low levels of cognitive distortions (M = 97.8, SD = 14.66) and high levels of attentional control (M = 177.4, SD = 10.40). The correlation between cognitive distortions and attentional control was negative but non-significant (r = -0.217, p = 0.178). Findings suggest that effective attentional control may mitigate maladaptive cognitive patterns, highlighting the importance of integrating cognitive-behavioral and attentional training in sport settings. The developed scale demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used in future research on cognitive-emotional processes in athletes. These findings have practical implications for coaches, sport psychologists, and educational programs aimed at enhancing mental resilience and performance outcomes in team sports.