Imagery Levels and Associated Factors Among Licensed Badminton Athletes in Eastern Anatolia

This research examined imagery levels among licensed badminton players competing in Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia Region and investigated whether imagery varied according to selected sociodemographic and sport-related characteristics. The sample consisted of 210 licensed athletes actively training and competing in Kars, Ağrı, and Iğdır. Data were collected using the Sport Imagery Questionnaire and a researcher-developed personal information form. Statistical analyses were conducted using both parametric and non-parametric procedures in line with data distribution characteristics. The findings indicated that athletes aged 16–18 years reported higher levels of cognitive imagery and motivational general mastery compared with younger athletes. In addition, athletes with competitive success demonstrated significantly higher cognitive imagery, motivational specific imagery, and total imagery scores. Higher imagery levels were also observed among athletes with longer sport participation history and higher parental education, particularly in cognitive and motivational specific dimensions. Weekly training frequency was associated with differences in cognitive imagery only. Correlation analyses revealed positive and significant relationships among all imagery subdimensions and the total imagery score. Overall, the results suggest that imagery represents a multidimensional mental skill that develops in relation to age, experience, and competitive exposure, and plays a meaningful role in performance-related processes among badminton athletes.