The relationship between mental fatigue awareness and effective decision-making levels of athletes: the role of mediating and moderating variables

This study examined the mediating role of psychological well-being and the moderating roles of gender and sport type (individual vs. team) in the relationship between mental fatigue awareness and intrinsic decision-making in 540 Turkish athletes. Research data were collected online via three different measurement tools. Results indicated a significant indirect effect of mental fatigue awareness on intrinsic decision-making through psychological well-being (indirect effect β = −0.087, p < .001), demonstrating partial mediation. Mental fatigue awareness (β = -0.256, p < .05) and sport type (β = 0.232, p < .05) significantly predicted intrinsic decision-making, with team sport athletes exhibiting higher levels. However, the interaction between mental fatigue awareness and sport type was not a significant predictor (β = 0.021, p > .05). Similarly, neither gender (β = 0.083, p > .05) nor the interaction between gender and mental fatigue awareness (β = 0.100, p > .05) significantly predicted intrinsic decision-making. The study contributes to understanding the interplay of mental fatigue awareness and intrinsic decision-making in athletes, considering the influences of gender and sport type. Future studies should employ longitudinal and experimental designs to clarify causality and to evaluate targeted dual-pronged interventions that address both psychological well-being and mental fatigue management.