The Role of Ruminative Thinking ın Effective Decision-Making Among Orienteering Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ruminative thinking on internal and external decision-making among orienteering athletes. The research was conducted within the framework of a relational survey model. The study group consisted of 218 athletes who competed as licensed orienteering athletes under the Turkish Orienteering Federation during the 2025-2026 season. Data were collected using the Sport Competition Rumination Scale and the Effective Decision-Making in Sport Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between ruminative thinking and internal decision-making. In contrast, no significant effect of ruminative thinking on external decision-making was identified. In conclusion, it can be stated that ruminative thinking among orienteering athletes influences internal decision-making processes based on individuals’ own cognitive evaluations, whereas it does not play a determining role in external decision-making processes based on environmental feedback.