Mental Toughness in Sports People

Mental toughness (MT) has yet to be systematically compared among elite athletes. Key distinctions include individual resilience and team dynamics. The research included N=28 athletes from sports such as rugby (team sport) and mixed martial arts (MMA) (individual sport). By examining these differences, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MT across different sports contexts. Using the Repertory Grid Technique and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) for data collection and analysis, personal constructs of MT were examined (Kelly, 1955; Bell, 2001). Analysis revealed distinct themes such as perseverance, resilience, determination, composure, and integrity in individual athletes, contrasting with commitment, leadership qualities, and vulnerability in team sports participants (Clough et al., 2002; Jones & Harwood, 2008). Athletes also described strategies for developing and maintaining MT, crucial for performance in high-pressure environments. The study highlights MT's multidimensional nature and suggests expanding existing models to include interpersonal and emotional dimensions (Connaughton et al., 2008). Results advocate for the development of a new, more precise instrument for measuring MT, aiming to enhance diagnostic and interventional strategies. This research provides substantial implications for athletes, coaches, and sport psychology practitioners, underlining the need for sophisticated application of MT across various sports disciplines.