Sports injuries have significant psychological and emotional consequences in addition to physical effects. They may lead to anxiety, reduced self-confidence, decreased sports motivation, and fear of reinjury. According to the Integrated Response to Sports Injury Model, athletes’ reactions to injury are influenced by interacting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors. Negative cognitive appraisals, such as catastrophizing, anticipating reinjury, and excessive attention to bodily symptoms, may increase fear and avoidance of physical activity. Research indicates that even after physical recovery, psychological barriers can prevent athletes from returning to their pre-injury level of performance. Therefore, physical rehabilitation alone may not be sufficient. Sports motivation is also essential for maintaining training, adherence to rehabilitation programs, and successful return to competition. Reduced motivation may increase the risk of incomplete recovery or withdrawal from sport.



Female athletes may be particularly vulnerable to psychological consequences following injury due to biological, social, and psychological differences. However, they have received comparatively less attention in previous research. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions, particularly Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), have emerged as promising approaches for reducing negative thoughts, improving emotional regulation, increasing self-awareness, and enhancing motivation. Despite growing evidence supporting mindfulness interventions in sport psychology, limited research has specifically examined the effects of MBCT on fear of reinjury and sports motivation among injured female athletes. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of MBCT may contribute to improving psychological readiness and facilitating a more successful return to sport among female athletes following injury.