Effect of Mindfulness Practice on Stress, Focus, and Athletic Performance in University-Level Athletes in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between mindfulness practice and perceived stress, focus, and self-rated athletic performance among university-level athletes in Pakistan. Drawing on global evidence highlighting mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as tools for enhancing psychological resilience and performance in sports, the research addressed a notable gap in local contexts where student-athletes often lack formal psychological support amid dual academic and competitive pressures. A sample of 200 athletes (mean age 21.3 ± 2.1 years; 62% male; 56% team sports) from universities in Punjab, Pakistan, completed self-report measures, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a 0–100 focus scale, and a 1–10 athletic performance rating. Mindfulness engagement was assessed via frequency (days/week) and duration (months). Independent t-tests revealed that mindfulness practitioners (39% of sample) reported significantly lower stress (14.7 ± 4.8 vs. 21.3 ± 5.2, p < 0.001), higher focus (81.5 ± 9.6 vs. 70.2 ± 11.1, p < 0.001), and better performance (8.2 ± 1.1 vs. 6.9 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) than non-practitioners. Multiple linear regression, controlling for age, gender, sport type, and GPA, showed mindfulness frequency (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and focus (β = 0.07, p < 0.001) as significant positive predictors of performance, while stress was non-significant (β = -0.04, p = 0.185), suggesting focus mediates mindfulness effects. The model explained 46% of performance variance (R² = 0.46, p < 0.001). These findings align with international meta-analyses on MBIs, indicating potential benefits for Pakistani athletes through reduced stress and enhanced attention. Strengths include culturally relevant focus and validated measures; limitations encompass cross-sectional design and self-reports, warranting longitudinal studies with objective metrics. Results advocate for integrating mindfulness training in Pakistani university sports programs to bolster athlete well-being and competitiveness.