A Correlational Study of Cognitive Flexibility, Imagery Ability, and Self-Efficacy among Individual Athletes

The present study aimed to examine the relation between the cognitive flexibility, imagery ability, self-efficacy among individual athletes. A sample of 175 aged between 18 to 24 years, representing various sports like shooting, badminton, tennis, gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, athletics, was selected for the study. Standardized instruments including the cognitive flexibility inventory (CFI), sports imagery ability questionnaire (SIAQ), general self-efficacy scale (GSE), were used to assess the variables. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation, and linear regression analysis. The results revealed that cognitive flexibility had a strong positive correlation with imagery ability and self-efficacy. Also, imagery ability was found to be significantly and positively related to self-efficacy. Regression analysis indicated that cognitive flexibility significantly predicted both imagery ability and self-efficacy, while imagery also significant predictor of self efficacy. These findings suggest that cognitive flexibility plays foundational role in enhancing imagery processes and confidence among athletes, while imagery ability further strengthens self-efficacy. The study highlights the importance of psychological skills in sports performance and suggests that interventions focusing on cognitive flexibility and imagery training can enhance athletes’ confidence, adaptability, performance overall. The findings contribute to the field of sports psychology by providing empirical evidence on the interrelationship among key psychological variables influencing athletic performance.