Comparison of the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy on Cognitive Dysfunction in Athletic and Non-Athletic Women with and Without Menstrual Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sport Management and Planning, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd Branch, Borujerd, Iran.

10.22089/rws.2026.19798.1149
Abstract
Menstrual disorders and Cognitive Dysfunction may impact the athletic performance and psychological adjustment of women. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) on Cognitive Dysfunction among female athletes and non-athletes with and without menstrual disorders. This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up design, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of female athletes and non-athletes in the western region of the country who scored above the mean on the Mason Cognitive Dysfunction Questionnaire. From the eligible candidates, 120 individuals were purposefully selected and randomly assigned into eight groups of 15, comprising experimental and control groups of female athletes and non-athletes with and without menstrual disorders. The experimental groups received MCT over twelve 90-minute sessions, held twice a week, while the control groups received no intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA in SPSS software. The results indicated a significant interaction effect between time and group on Cognitive Dysfunction. MCT led to a significant reduction in Cognitive Dysfunction in the experimental groups at the post-test stage, and this reduction remained stable at the two-month follow-up. Furthermore, no significant difference in the effectiveness of the treatment was observed based on athletic status or menstrual status (P≥0.05). Based on these findings, Metacognitive Therapy can be utilized as an effective and stable intervention to reduce Cognitive Dysfunction in women, independent of their athletic status or the presence of menstrual disorders, within psychological and sports programs.

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 November 2026