Kara, ErgunTurkum, Ayse SibelTurner, Martin J.2026-01-242026-01-2420230894-90851573-6563https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-023-00497-zhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12868/5548The purpose of this study was to develop a Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) based group counselling program for athletes, and then to experimentally test the effects of the program on the competitive anxiety and irrational beliefs of non-western student-athletes. The effects of the REBT based program was examined using a 2 x 2 controlled quasi-experimental group design. 22 student-athletes participated in the study (11 in the experimental group and 11 in the control group). The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 was used to assess athlete competitive anxiety. To test the effects of program, descriptive statistics were calculated, and Bayesian repeated-measures ANOVA were conducted. Thematic analysis is used to analyse qualitative data. Data revealed significant decreases from pre- to post- in irrational beliefs and competitive anxiety in the REBT group compared to the control group. The findings indicated a positive effect of the REBT based program on the student-athletes' competitive anxiety levels.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessCompetitive anxietyIrrational beliefsREBTStudent-athletesArticle10.1007/s10942-023-00497-z4123623792-s2.0-85146953555Q2WOS:000918506900001Q3