Safa Saadani

59928832600

Publications - 2

The impact of neurolinguistic programming on anxiety, self-confidence, self-esteem, and performance in non-elite finswimmers

Publication Name: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Publication Date: 2025-10-01

Volume: 93

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Few studies have addressed mental health in finswimmers. Objective: This study examines the effect of NLP used as mental training on the finswimmers’ anxiety, self-confidence, self-esteem, and swimming records. Methods: The NLP intervention lasted two months. The study involved thirty young finswimmers (mean age M = 15.53, SD = 1.024), divided equally into two groups: the experimental and the control group. We carried out a pre- and post-test research design and conducted a follow-up test. We used two questionnaires, the French version of the CSAI-2R and the French version of the PSPP, along with semi-structured interviews for all three tests. Results: In the post-intervention test, the experimental group significantly decreased their cognitive anxiety (β = −3.47, p < .001) and somatic anxiety (β = −2.20, p = .001). Significantly increased their self-confidence (β = 2.07, p < .001), their global self-esteem (β = 1.93, p = .002), and their physical self-worth (β = 2.13, p = .004). The same parameters, except for the global self-esteem, also recorded significant change in the follow-up test, p < .005. Time effect did not show significance in the body attractiveness, physical strength, physical conditioning, and sport competence. Furthermore, outcomes showed notable between-subject variability in the mental skills, suggesting substantial variability in baseline parameter levels between individuals. Consequently, the finswimmers enhanced their swimming records. Conclusions: NLP showed a powerful impact in optimizing finswimmers’ mental health and, accordingly, their athletic performance. Besides, the technique showed relatively durable effectiveness. Coaches can reinforce the effect through ongoing NLP training.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103239

Eating disorders and disordered eating on wrestling sport: a systematic review

Publication Name: BMC Nutrition

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Although there are studies on the effects of eating disorders (EDs) among athletes, a limited number of studies have been conducted in wrestling. This systematic review aims to identify the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) and disordered eating (DE) in wrestling, which is important for developing healthier weight control behaviours within the sport. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol, focusing on publications from the last 10 years. PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science were used to identify eligible studies with the searching terms “Eating disorders” AND “wrestlers” OR “Eating disorders” AND “wrestling” OR “Disordered eating” AND “wrestlers” OR “Disordered eating” AND “wrestling” OR “Anorexia Nervosa” AND “wrestlers” OR “Anorexia Nervosa” AND “wrestling” OR “Bulimia Nervosa” AND “wrestlers” OR “Bulimia Nervosa” AND “wrestling” within the timeframe from 2014 to 2024. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. When all studies were considered as a homogeneous group, the analysis revealed: (a) wrestlers are significantly more susceptible to Eds than other branches, (b) wrestlers have unhealthy weight control behaviors to control weight for optimum performance and to enhance their muscular appearance due to body image issues. It is recommended that future research address eating disorders, which have predominantly been studied in male wrestlers, within female wrestlers as well. Additionally, it is advised to identify potential causes contributing to the elevated risk of eating disorders among wrestlers and to develop targeted prevention strategies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s40795-025-01169-0