What benefit do cognitive-behavioral techniques provide to athletes?

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are employed in sports psychology to help athletes address and modify negative thought patterns that may hinder their performance. These techniques provide strategies for athletes to recognize irrational beliefs or cognitive distortions, which can lead to decreased self-confidence, increased anxiety, and poor performance under pressure. By reframing these thoughts and developing a more positive and constructive mindset, athletes can enhance their focus, motivation, and overall mental resilience.

This approach is critical because the mental aspect of sports performance can significantly impact outcomes. For instance, an athlete who learns to challenge thoughts like "I'll never win" or "I'm too anxious to perform" can replace those with more empowering beliefs, leading to improved performance.

The other options focus on aspects that are not directly related to the mental training techniques emphasized by cognitive-behavioral approaches. Increasing physical strength is more about physical training and conditioning. Eliminating competition is unrealistic, as competition is an inherent part of sports. Focusing solely on physical training neglects the psychological factors that greatly influence performance, thereby missing the essential component of mental conditioning that cognitive-behavioral techniques address.