The Moderating Role of Emotional Self-Regulation in Cortisol Responses to Resistance Training in Professional Athletes

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Religions and Islamic teachings, International University of Islamic Denominations, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Kosar University of Bojnord, Iran

Abstract

Resistance training is a cornerstone of physical conditioning for professional athletes, designed to enhance strength, muscular endurance, and overall performance .High-intensity resistance exercises trigger significant physiological responses, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and subsequent release of cortisol, a key stress hormone. This study investigates the moderating role of emotional self-regulation in cortisol responses to resistance training in professional athletes. Emotional self-regulation, a critical psychological skill, influences stress responses during high-intensity physical activities. Fifty professional male athletes (mean age: 25.8 ± 3.5 years) participated in a controlled resistance training protocol. Cortisol levels were measured pre- and post-exercise via saliva samples, and emotional self-regulation was assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (E R Q). Results indicated that athletes with higher emotional self-regulation exhibited significantly lower cortisol elevations post-training (p < 0.01). Notably, cognitive reappraisal demonstrated a stronger moderating effect than expressive suppression (β = -0.45, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological interventions into training programs to enhance athlete recovery and performance.

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Functional Research in Sport Psychology
Volume 2, Issue 4 - Serial Number 8
December 2025
Pages 15-3

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 August 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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