Positive future expectancy mediates the relationship between attitudes toward the future and future anxiety among Faculty of Sport Sciences students

Introduction and aim: This study was conducted to determine the mediating role of positive future expectations in the effect of future attitudes on future anxiety. Method: This study employed quantitative research methods and a survey model. The study group consisted of 269 university students enrolled in sports science faculties (160 male, 109 female). Data were collected using the Attitudes Toward Future Scale (ATF), Future Anxiety Scale in University Students (FAS), and the Positive Future Expectation Scale (PEF). During the analysis process, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was first conducted using the AMOS 21 program to validate the factor structure of the scales. To test the research hypotheses, correlation analysis was performed using the SPSS 25 program, and Bootstrap-based regression analysis was applied using the Process Macro add-on developed by Hayes (2022). Results: The study found statistically significant moderate correlations between ATF and FAS, between ATF and PEF, and between FAS and PEF. Bootstrap regression analysis revealed that ATF had a significant effect on PEF (β = 0.182; p <.001). When a mediator variable was added to the model, it was determined that ATF was not a predictor of FAS (b: 0.052; p >.050). When ATF was held constant, it was determined that PEF had a significant effect on FAS (-2.124, p<.001). Finally, it was determined that ATF had a significant indirect effect on FAS through PEF (-0.387; p<.001). Conclusion: The study found that the attitudes of sports science students toward the future affect their anxiety about the future, and that positive expectations for the future play an important role in reducing this anxiety. © The Author(s) 2026.