Abstract
Currently there is debate as to whether mental toughness is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. To investigate the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48), a widely used measure of mental toughness, we examined data from a sample of 78,947 participants. A series of exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) assessed unidimensional, multidimensional, and bifactor solutions. Overall, results supported a bifactor conceptualization of mental toughness. Bifactor analysis was consistent with the use of a general factor score. In conclusion, the authors argue that mental toughness should be considered as an umbrella term representing a general trait comprised of related constructs that provide a psychological advantage in performance and promote positive mental health. Finally, this article identifies limitations in the existing measurement of mental toughness and proposes necessary directions in future research.
Highlights
Mental toughness (MT) has been conceptualized as the possession of enabling experientially developed and heritable psychological resources that facilitate achievement and promote positive mental health (Coulter et al, 2010; Papageorgiou et al, 2019a,b)
This study definitively examined the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48) and proposed necessary developments
Internal consistency estimates were all satisfactory (ω > 0.70) except for Emotional Control (ω = 0.63). This is consistent with previous literature examining the MTQ48 (e.g., Perry et al, 2013)
Summary
Mental toughness (MT) has been conceptualized as the possession of enabling experientially developed and heritable psychological resources (i.e., values, attitudes, emotions, cognitions, and behaviors) that facilitate achievement and promote positive mental health (Coulter et al, 2010; Papageorgiou et al, 2019a,b). Clough et al (2002) delimit MT as the capability to cope with difficulties and to achieve self-defined aims This conceptualization derives from the notion that MT is a resistance resource that guards against the negative effects of stress across a range of contexts (i.e., sport, education, occupational, and health) (Crust and Keegan, 2010; Lin et al, 2017; Papageorgiou et al, 2019a). The most widely used instrument to measure MT is the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48 (MTQ48; Clough et al, 2002; Birch et al, 2017) This developed from Clough’s multidimensional 4Cs model, which posits the existence of discrete, but related factors (i.e., Challenge, Commitment, Control, and Confidence) (Clough and Strycharczyk, 2012). The authors considered the merits of a bifactor model, whereby MTQ48 items contribute to both subscales and overall representation of MT
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