Psychological Well-Being in Sport and Perceived Social Support as Predictors of Sport Alienation

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive roles of psychological well-being in sport and perceived social support on sport alienation among sport sciences students within a mental health perspective. The study was conducted using a quantitative correlational research design. The sample consisted of 251 students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences at a public university in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Psychological Well-Being in Sport Scale, the Sport Alienation Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed a moderate and negative relationship between psychological well-being in sport and sport alienation. Moreover, psychological well-being in sport was found to be a significant predictor of sport alienation. Although a low and significant negative relationship was observed between perceived social support and sport alienation, perceived social support did not significantly predict sport alienation in the regression analysis. The results indicate that psychological well-being functions as a protective mental health resource against sport alienation, while perceived social support may play a more supportive and indirect role. Overall, the findings suggest that supporting the psychological and psychosocial well-being of sport sciences students may contribute to reducing sport alienation. From a health sciences perspective, promoting psychological well-being in sport environments appears to be important for strengthening students’ mental and social health.