Mind, Body, and Performance: The Interplay of Nutrition and Psychological Well-Being in Badminton Athletes

Mind, Body, and Performance: The Interplay of Nutrition and Psychological Well-Being in Badminton Athletes

Ms. Lalruatfeli, Research Scholar, Dr. Shalu Nehra, Assistant Professor

Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.100700088

Received: 17 June 2025; Accepted: 23 June 2025; Published: 14 August 2025

ABSTRACT

This research paper investigates the intersection of nutrition and psychological well-being among badminton players, examining their impacts on achievement motivation and performance. The study recognizes the critical role nutrition plays not only in physical performance but also in mental health, influencing factors such as mood and motivation. Prior research indicates that athletes with high-quality diets experience better mental health outcomes, which can enhance both their performance and motivation. The objectives of this study are twofold: first, to assess the impact of nutritional quality on psychological well-being; and second, to explore the relationship between psychological well-being and achievement motivation. The study employs a quantitative cross-sectional research design involving 150 badminton players (75 males and 75 females) aged 18-35, who completed the Dietary Quality Questionnaire (DQ) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Participants were required to actively compete in badminton and provide informed consent. Those with eating disorders, severe psychological issues, or other medical conditions affecting mental health or dietary habits were excluded from the study. Data analysis utilized various statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, ANOVA, post hoc analysis with Tukey’s HSD, and Pearson correlation coefficients, to explore the relationships among nutritional quality, psychological well-being, and achievement motivation. Findings reveal a clear trend: athletes with higher nutritional quality reported significantly better psychological well-being, with ANOVA confirming substantial differences in WEMWBS scores across varying nutritional quality levels (F(2, 147) = 42.75, p < 0.001). Post hoc analyses indicated significant differences between all groups. Additionally, a robust positive correlation (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) was observed between nutritional quality and psychological well-being. Similarly, the study found that higher levels of psychological well-being correlated with increased achievement motivation (F(2, 147) = 38.92, p < 0.001), with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between these two variables. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing nutritional strategies to enhance both mental health and performance in athletes. The research advocates for a holistic approach to sports training, emphasizing that attention to both nutrition and psychological well-being can significantly boost performance outcomes. Coaches and sports professionals are encouraged to implement strategies that foster mental health and nutritional quality to optimize athlete success. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how nutrition and mental health interplay in sports, particularly in high-performance contexts like badminton, highlighting the essential role of both factors in achieving athletic excellence.

Keywords: Nutrition, Psychological Well-being, Achievement Motivation, Athletic Performance, Badminton Players, Sports Psychology

INTRODUCTION

The intricate relationship between nutrition and psychological well-being has garnered increasing attention in sports science, particularly among competitive athletes. Nutrition plays a pivotal role not only in physical performance but also in mental health, influencing factors such as mood, motivation, and overall well-being (Drewnowski & Almiron-Roig, 2010). In the context of badminton, a sport that requires high levels of agility, focus, and mental resilience, understanding how dietary habits impact psychological well-being can offer valuable insights for optimizing athletic performance.

Recent studies suggest that athletes who maintain a high-quality diet exhibit better mental health outcomes, which may subsequently enhance their performance and motivation to succeed (Gomez-Pinilla, 2008). This research paper aims to explore these relationships specifically within the realm of badminton players, focusing on how nutritional quality affects psychological well-being and how this, in turn, influences achievement motivation.

This study seeks to assess two primary objectives: first, to determine the impact of nutrition on psychological well-being among badminton players; and second, to explore the relationship between psychological well-being and achievement motivation. By elucidating these connections, the research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how nutrition and mental health interplay to influence athletic success.

Research Problem

This study addresses the critical intersection of nutrition and psychological well-being among badminton players, focusing on how these factors influence achievement motivation and performance. Despite growing evidence linking high-quality diets to enhanced mental health, the specific mechanisms through which nutrition impacts psychological resilience and motivational outcomes in athletes remain underexplored. This research seeks to fill this gap by examining the effects of nutritional quality on psychological well-being and its subsequent influence on achievement motivation, ultimately advocating for a holistic approach to athlete training that prioritizes both dietary and mental health strategies.

Objectives

To Assess the Impact of Nutrition on Psychological Well-being, 2. To Explore the Relationship Between Psychological Well-being and Achievement Motivation

Hypotheses

Athletes with higher nutritional quality will report significantly better psychological well-being compared to those with poor dietary habits. H1: There is a positive correlation between nutritional quality and psychological well-being. Higher levels of psychological well-being will be associated with increased achievement motivation among athletes. H2: There is a positive correlation between psychological well-being and achievement motivation.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This review discusses how motivational beliefs, values, and goals influence achievement behaviors, highlighting the importance of psychological factors in academic and athletic settings (Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Gomez-Pinilla reviews the impact of nutrients on brain function, emphasizing how diet influences cognitive and emotional health, and the significance of a balanced diet for mental resilience in athletes (Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2008). A study by Jacka, F. N., et al. (2017), examines the association between diet and mental health, finding that high-quality diets are linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, relevant for athletes’ psychological well-being. Thomas, D. T., et al. (2016) highlighted those dietary recommendations for athletes, emphasizing nutrition’s importance in optimizing both physical performance and mental health. Upham, P. A., et al. (2020) focused on psychological well-being in athletes, addressing factors that influence mental health and suggesting psychological interventions to enhance motivation. Drewnowski, A., & Almiron-Roig, E. (2010) explored human perceptions of food, particularly fat-rich foods, and how these perceptions influence dietary choices, relevant for athletes’ nutritional intake. Heaney, S., & Gaffney-Stomberg, E. (2014) highlighted that micronutrients’ role in athletic performance and psychological well-being, emphasizing how deficiencies can negatively affect mental health. O’Connor, P. J., & Morgan, W. P. (1996) This study reviews the relationship between exercise, mood, and psychological well-being, providing evidence that regular physical activity enhances mood and motivation.

Scully, D., et al. (1998), authors examine the effects of diet and exercise on mental health, providing evidence that a healthy diet can enhance mood and motivation crucial for athletes. De Meulemeester, J. (2018) study explores the psychological impacts of nutrition on athletes, arguing that dietary habits significantly influence mood and motivation, affecting performance. A study by Kavouras, S. A., & McGowan, R. W. (2019) addressed hydration, diet, and psychological outcomes, concluding that proper nutritional strategies can enhance cognitive performance and emotional well-being. Haff, G. G., & Nimphius, S. (2012) discussed periodization and nutritional strategies for athletes, emphasizing that integrated training and diet enhance both physical and psychological performance.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design- This study utilizes a quantitative cross-sectional research design to assess the relationships among nutritional quality, psychological well-being, and achievement motivation in badminton players. By collecting data from a specific population at a single point in time, the study aims to identify patterns and correlations that may inform future interventions and strategies to enhance athlete performance and mental health. Sample Characteristics- A total of 150 badminton players, comprised of 75 males and 75 females aged between 18 and 35, participated in this study. Participants completed two main assessments: the Dietary Quality Questionnaire (DQ) to evaluate their dietary habits, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure psychological well-being. Participants in the study must be aged 18 to 35, actively compete in badminton, and provide written informed consent. Those with eating disorders, severe psychological issues, or medical conditions affecting diet or mental health, as well as non-active players and individuals with a history of substance abuse, will be excluded. Data Analysis- The data were analyzed using various statistical techniques to explore the relationships among nutritional quality, psychological well-being, and achievement motivation. Descriptive statistics summarized the nutritional and psychological scores, while ANOVA assessed significant differences in psychological well-being across nutritional quality levels. Tukey’s HSD was employed for post hoc analysis to identify specific group differences. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficients evaluated the strength and direction of relationships among the variables. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights into how nutrition and mental health impact badminton players’ performance.

FINDINGS

The results of this study provide significant insights into the relationship between nutrition, psychological well-being, and achievement motivation among badminton players. Data analysis revealed a clear trend: athletes with higher nutritional quality reported markedly better psychological well-being, as indicated by their scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and correlation assessments, confirmed that improved dietary habits correlate with enhanced mental health outcomes. Furthermore, similar patterns emerged regarding psychological well-being and achievement motivation, where higher well-being scores were associated with increased motivation to achieve performance goals. This interconnection highlights the vital role of both nutrition and mental health in supporting athletes’ overall performance.

Objective:1 To Assess the Impact of Nutrition on Psychological Well-being

Hypothesis 1: Athletes with higher nutritional quality will report significantly better psychological well-being compared to those with poor dietary habits.

Sample Characteristics

A total of 150 badminton players (75 males, 75 females) aged 18-35 participated in this study. Each athlete completed a Dietary Quality Questionnaire (DQ) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS).

Data Analysis

Table 1: Summary Statistics for Nutritional Quality and Psychological Well-being

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Table 2: ANOVA Results for Nutritional Quality and Psychological Well-being

Post Hoc Analysis (Tukey’s HSD)

Correlation Analysis

Pearson Correlation Coefficient:

r=0.73, p<0.001

Interpretation of Results

The data analysis revealed significant differences in psychological well-being across varying levels of nutritional quality among badminton players. The mean WEMWBS scores highlighted a clear trend: those with low nutritional quality (scores 1-3) reported an average well-being score of 20.5, while athletes classified as having moderate nutritional quality (scores 4-6) had a mean score of 26.2, and those with high nutritional quality (scores 7-9) exhibited a much higher mean score of 33.0. This data suggests that as nutritional quality improves, psychological well-being also increases.

The ANOVA results further confirm these findings, indicating a statistically significant effect of nutritional quality on psychological well-being (F(2, 147) = 42.75, p < 0.001). Post hoc comparisons using Tukey’s HSD reveal significant differences between all groups, affirming that athletes with higher nutritional quality experience substantially better psychological health compared to their peers with lower nutritional habits.

Additionally, the Pearson correlation analysis yielded a robust positive correlation (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) between nutritional quality and psychological well-being. This suggests that athletes who maintain a better diet are likely to report higher levels of mental well-being, thus supporting the hypothesis that improved nutrition is linked to enhanced psychological health.

Objective:2 Examine How Levels of Psychological Well-being Affect Athletes’ Motivation to Achieve Performance Goals

Hypothesis:2 Higher levels of psychological well-being will be associated with increased achievement motivation among athletes.

The study focused on 150 badminton players (75 males and 75 females) aged 18-35. Participants completed surveys that assessed their psychological well-being (using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, WEMWBS) and their achievement motivation (using the Achievement Motivation Inventory, AMI).

Data Analysis

Table 2: Summary Statistics for Psychological Well-being and Achievement Motivation

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Table 4: ANOVA Results for Psychological Well-being and Achievement Motivation

Post Hoc Analysis (Tukey’s HSD)

Correlation Analysis

Pearson Correlation Coefficient:

r=0.78, p<0.001

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The analysis indicates a clear relationship between psychological well-being and achievement motivation among badminton players. The mean AMI scores demonstrate a significant trend: players with low psychological well-being (scores 1-3) reported an average achievement motivation score of 18.2. In contrast, those with moderate well-being (scores 4-6) averaged 24.5, while those with high well-being (scores 7-9) achieved an average score of 32.1. This progression suggests that as psychological well-being improves, so does achievement motivation.

The ANOVA results further support this observation, revealing a statistically significant effect of psychological well-being on achievement motivation (F(2, 147) = 38.92, p < 0.001). Post hoc comparisons using Tukey’s HSD confirm significant differences between all three groups, indicating that higher psychological well-being is associated with greater achievement motivation.

The Pearson correlation analysis yielded a strong positive correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between psychological well-being and achievement motivation. This correlation suggests that athletes with higher psychological well-being are likely to exhibit increased motivation towards achieving their performance goals.

DISCUSSION

The statistical analysis provides strong evidence to support the hypothesis that higher nutritional quality significantly correlates with better psychological well-being among badminton players. These results underscore the importance of nutrition in not only physical performance but also in mental health, suggesting that athletes and coaches should prioritize dietary strategies that promote both aspects. By addressing the nutritional needs of athletes, sports professionals can enhance overall performance and well-being, ultimately contributing to their success in competitive environments.

The findings strongly support the hypothesis that higher levels of psychological well-being are positively associated with increased achievement motivation among badminton players. These results emphasize the critical role of mental health in driving athletes’ motivation to succeed, suggesting that interventions aimed at enhancing psychological well-being may effectively boost motivation and performance outcomes. Coaches and sports professionals should consider incorporating strategies that foster mental health to enhance athletes’ motivation and overall performance potential.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the findings underscore the crucial interplay between nutrition, psychological well-being, and achievement motivation in badminton players. The strong positive correlations and statistically significant differences between varying levels of nutritional quality and psychological well-being affirm the hypothesis that better nutrition leads to improved mental health. Additionally, the association between psychological well-being and achievement motivation emphasizes the importance of mental health as a driving force behind athletes’ motivation to succeed. These results advocate for a holistic approach in sports training, where attention to both nutrition and mental health can significantly enhance athletes’ performance outcomes and overall well-being. Coaches and sports professionals are encouraged to implement strategies that prioritize these elements to optimize athlete success.

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