Book of Abstracts

Mental Conditioning in High-Performance Contexts: Evidence-Based Techniques and Broader Applications
Authors:
Alicja Gruca, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Abstract ID: 18
Keywords: athletic performance, high pressure environments, mental health, mindset management, sports psychology

Elite sports are widely recognized for the exceptional physical demands they place on athletes. However, achieving high performance requires more than motor skills and technical preparation—it also relies on a solid foundation of psychological resilience. Constant exposure to stressors such as intense training, the pursuit of perfection, media scrutiny, and the risk of injury poses serious challenges to athletes’ mental health.

This speech aims at exploring evidence-based psychological techniques—including visualization, mindfulness, motivation strategies, and mindset management—and proposes a hypothesis regarding their effectiveness in enhancing focus, resilience, and emotional regulation. It advocates for a more integrated approach that combines mental and physical training to optimize athletic performance while promoting long-term psychological well-being.

Additionally, these insights will be generalized to a range of high-pressure environments, proposing ways to apply sport’s mentality to enhance performance in fields such as business, the arts, and academia.

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