Effect of music therapy applications on self-control, self-defence, and mental resilience levels in female wrestlers

Abstract Background: Self-control, self-defence self-efficacy, and mental resilience are among the fundamental psychological determinants of performance and competitive endurance in combat sports. However, scientific evidence regarding structured, evidence-based psychological intervention programs for female wrestlers is limited. This study aimed to examine the effect of a structured psychological intervention program based on music therapy on the levels of self-control, self-defence self-efficacy, and mental resilience in female wrestlers. Method: The research was conducted using a randomized controlled pre-test–post-test experimental design. A total of 30 female wrestlers aged between 18 and 25 participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the music therapy intervention group (MTG; n=15) and the control group (CG; n=15). The MTG group received a structured music therapy-based psychological intervention program in addition to regular training for 8 weeks, while the control group continued only with their routine training program. Self-control, self-defence self-efficacy, and mental resilience levels were assessed before and after the intervention using valid and reliable psychometric scales. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, and effect sizes were calculated. Result: Significant differences over time were observed between the intervention and control groups. A highly significant group × time interaction was found for the SP variable (F = 56.525, p