Author(s): TÓTH, R., TURNER, M.J., MANNION, J., TÓTH, L., Institution: HUNGARIAN UNIVERSITY OF SPORT SCIENCE, Country: HUNGARY, Abstract-ID: 210

Introduction
In our research, we examined the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) concerning athletes perfectionism and executive functions. REBT focuses on identifying irrational beliefs and restructuring them to be more rational, while mindfulness aims to achieve acceptance and non-judgment through conscious presence. The main goal of our study was to uncover how group-based REBT and mindfulness interventions impact perfectionism, as well as executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) among athletes.

Methods
In our longitudinal study, a total of 46 Hungarian ice hockey players participated, with 12 individuals forming the REBT group, 14 in the mindfulness group, and 20 in the control group. Perfectionism was measured using the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS), while executive functions were assessed using the computer-based Vienna Test System before and after the interventions. We analyzed our data using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results
Our results indicate that athletes in the REBT group show significant decreases in both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism after the interventions, along with improvements in inhibitory functions and cognitive flexibility test scores in the post-tests compared to the pre-tests. Members of the mindfulness group do not show significant differences in perfectionism before and after the interventions. However, they demonstrate improvements in information processing speed and in switching functions (cognitive flexibility). In the control group, there is a significant decrease in the speed of the test measuring cognitive flexibility in the post-tests compared to the pre-tests.

Discussion
Consequently, the restructuring of athletes irrational beliefs towards rationality can assist in reducing perfectionistic tendencies and contribute to the development of neurocognitive functions that could positively impact their athletic performance. Similarly, mindfulness-based intervention can enhance cognitive flexibility, thus contributing indirectly, if not directly, to both mental health improvement and athletic performance. These findings could prove beneficial in shaping future research directions and expanding the toolbox of applied sports psychology.