Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between positive thinking and ankle joint injury rehabilitation among volleyball players, given the crucial role of psychological factors in the success of physical rehabilitation programs. The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical method on a sample of 30 injured players, who were divided into two groups: high and low positive thinking, using the Ingram & Wisnicki (1988) scale. Data were collected through rehabilitation assessment forms and interviews with specialists.

The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups, where positive thinking was associated with higher adherence to the rehabilitation program and a shorter recovery period. A strong negative correlation was observed between the level of positive thinking and rehabilitation duration (r = -0.71), indicating that positive thinking contributes to accelerating the healing process and enhancing responsiveness to treatment.

The study discussed the role of positive thinking in reducing anxiety, increasing motivation, and strengthening self-confidence, emphasizing the importance of integrating psychological programs into rehabilitation plans. It concluded with practical recommendations, including training athletes on positive thinking strategies such as mental imagery and cognitive reappraisal, as well as fostering collaboration among coaches, psychologists, and therapists to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

This study highlights the importance of psychological factors as an active component in sports therapy and calls for further research to generalize the findings to other injuries and athletic populations.