Mental Workload in Relation to the Neurotransmitter Serotonin and Its Role in the Cognitive Level of Iraqi Premier League Volleyball Referees

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the levels of mental workload in relation to the neurotransmitter serotonin, cognitive level, decision-making, and refereeing performance among international volleyball referees officiating in the Iraqi Premier League for clubs, considering differences in match set scores. It also sought to examine the role of mental workload in relation to the neurotransmitter serotonin in the cognitive level of international volleyball referees in the Iraqi Premier League for clubs across matches with different set scores by investigating the relationships between these variables and their contribution. The research population comprised first-class volleyball referees officiating in the Iraqi Premier League for the 2024–2025 season, totaling 20 referees. A purposive sample of 15 referees was selected based on matches played during the league’s three tournament rounds and the different match set scores. The sample included five referees for each of the following match outcomes: 3–0, 3–1, and 3–2. The remaining five referees were involved in pilot experiments conducted by the researchers. The researchers employed a descriptive method using correlational analysis and causal-comparative approaches, as appropriate to the nature of the research problem. Following data analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to obtain the results. The findings indicated that the participating referees officiating in the Iraqi Premier League for volleyball demonstrated certain levels of mental workload in relation to the neurotransmitter serotonin and cognitive level across matches with different set scores.