Effects of psychological skills training on self-control, perceived physical self-defense capacity, and mental toughness in elite female wrestlers: a randomized controlled trial

Background Self-control, self-defense self-efficacy, and mental resilience are fundamental psychological determinants of performance and competitive endurance in combat sports. However, scientific evidence on structured, evidence-based psychological intervention programs for professional female wrestlers remains limited. This study examined the effects of a psychological skills training (PST)-based intervention on self-control, self-defense self-efficacy, and mental resilience in professional female wrestlers. Methods A randomized controlled pre-test–post-test design was employed. Thirty-six professional female wrestlers (aged 18–25) were randomly assigned to a PST group ( n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 18). The PST group completed an 8-week structured psychological intervention alongside regular training, while the CG continued routine training only. Self-control, self-defense self-efficacy, and mental resilience were assessed pre- and post-intervention using valid and reliable psychometric scales. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVA, with effect sizes calculated. Results Significant group × time interactions were observed across multiple outcomes. A highly significant interaction emerged for perceived physical self-defense capacity (SP; F (1,34) = 56.525, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.624) and for DP scores ( F (1,34) = 9.360, p = 0.004, ηp 2 = 0.216). Among self-control subscales, significant interactions were found for inhibition ( F (1,34) = 8.172, p = 0.007, ηp 2 = 0.194) and, more strongly, for initiation ( F (1,34) = 14.157, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.294). For mental resilience, highly significant interactions were detected for confidence ( F (1,34) = 59.976, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.638), control ( F (1,34) = 32.486, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.489), and persistence ( F (1,34) = 32.709, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.490). Overall, the intervention demonstrated medium-to-high effect sizes across psychological performance indicators. Conclusion These findings suggest that PST may serve as a useful complementary approach for enhancing self-control, perceived physical self-defense capacity, and mental toughness in professional female wrestlers. However, results should not be interpreted as evidence of improved competitive wrestling performance, technical success, or objectively measured physical self-defense ability, as these outcomes were not directly assessed in this study.