The Instrumental Role of Forgiving In The Relationship Between Cognitive Flexibility and Decision-Making and Happiness In Athletes

Abstract This study intended to reveal the mediating relationship of forgiveness in the relationship between cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and happiness of athletes aged 18 and over through structural equation modeling. A total of 618 licensed athletes participated in the study, and the data were collected from volunteer participants using the "Forgiveness Decision Scale", "Cognitive Flexibility Scale", "Natural Decision-Making Scale" and "Happiness Scale". The results indicated that athletes’ forgiveness was the full mediator in the relationship between decision-making and happiness, and the partial mediator in the relationship between cognitive flexibility and happiness. The mediation study carried out offers clues to identify and eliminate the negativities on the way to the success of the athletes.