The effect of table tennis exercises on mindfulness and psychological resilience of children and adolescents

Abstract

Aim of this study is to examine the effects of table tennis exercises on mindfulness and psychological resilience in children and adolescents. The sample of this study consists of a total of 30 participants, including 15 athletes aged 10-17 who regularly participate in table tennis training in Sakarya province, and 15 students who do not participate in any table tennis training. The participants were administered the Mindfulness Scale for Children and Adolescents and the Child and Adolescent Resilience Scale Short Form. A quasi-experimental research design with a control group was employed in this study. At the end of the 8th week, the same scales were re-administered. This design allowed for the observation of differences and changes in the levels of psychological resilience and mindfulness between the two groups, who either participated in or did not participate in table tennis exercises, over the course of 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 software. For hypothesis testing, the Paired-T Test was applied for dependent groups, and the Independent T-Test was used for independent groups. According to the findings, individuals who participated in table tennis exercises had significantly higher levels of mindfulness and psychological resilience compared to those who did not participate. After 8 weeks of training, the experimental group's mindfulness significantly increased, while the control group's mindfulness decreased. The results suggest that table tennis exercises have a positive effect on the mental and emotional development of children and adolescents, demonstrating potential as a complementary tool for enhancing psychological resilience and mindfulness.