Sport Psychology Studies

Sport Psychology Studies

Developing a Structural Model of the Relationships between Organizational Climate and Athletic Performance: The Mediating Role of Mental Readiness

Document Type : Original research

Authors
1 Department Of Physical Education, Sav.C., Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran
2 Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Humanities and arts, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
3 Master's student, Department of Physical Education, Ali.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katul, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the structural relationships among organizational climate, mental readiness, and athletic performance in athletes. The research involved a statistical sample of 300 professional and semi-professional athletes from various sports disciplines in Iran, selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using standardized instruments, and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling, were conducted. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between organizational climate and mental readiness (r=0.54, p<0.01), as well as between organizational climate and athletic performance (r=0.46, p<0.01). Furthermore, mental readiness exhibited a strong positive relationship with athletic performance (r=0.61, p<0.01). Structural path analysis indicated a direct effect of organizational climate on sports performance (β=0.22) and an indirect effect mediated by mental readiness (β=0.33). The model fit indices (RMSEA=0.053, TLI=0.94, CFI=0.95) confirmed the model’s adequacy. These results underscore the significance of a supportive organizational environment and the enhancement of athletes’ mental readiness in boosting sports performance, suggesting that coaches and managers should implement effective psychological and organizational strategies to optimize athlete outcomes.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 June 2026

  • Receive Date 18 April 2026
  • Revise Date 01 June 2026
  • Accept Date 01 June 2026