Application of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in Enhancing Mental Health and Performance of an Elite Basketball Player: A Single-Subject Experimental Design

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Roudehen Campus, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

2 Department of Counseling, Roudehen Campus, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

3 Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in improving the mental health and performance of an elite basketball player. This single-subject experimental study was conducted through eight weekly individual counseling sessions over an eight-week period. The study variables included irrational performance beliefs, mental health (measured by the General Health Questionnaire), and athletic performance (measured by free throw success rate), which were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up phases. Visual analysis methods, including percentage of change, effect size, non-overlapping data percentage, and immediate change, along with statistical analysis using t-tests, indicated a significant reduction in irrational performance beliefs and psychological symptoms—particularly somatic symptoms—following the interventions. Additionally, the participant’s free throw performance showed a meaningful improvement. Social validation through content analysis also revealed high satisfaction with the intervention and a perceived positive impact on both performance and mental well-being. The findings of this study support the effectiveness of REBT-based counseling in enhancing psychological and performance-related factors in elite athletes and highlight the importance of structured psychological interventions in high-performance sports.

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Functional Research in Sport Psychology
Volume 2, Issue 2
May 2025
Pages 85-103

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 30 June 2025

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