Examination of Mental Resilience Levels in Veteran Tennis Players

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the disparities in mental resilience levels among veteran tennis players concerning age, gender, and weekly training frequency. The survey method was employed, utilizing a survey technique as part of the screening process. The study involved 358 volunteer veteran tennis players, with 85 females and 273 males, who completed the mental resilience scale. The "Sports Mental Resilience Scale" and a researcher-prepared personal information form were used. The scale showed good reliability with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of 0.81 for Confidence, 0.74 for Persistence, and 0.71 for Control. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0. Normal distribution was confirmed through Skewness, Kurtosis values, and the Levene Test. Parametric tests, such as Independent Sample T Test and One Way ANOVA, were used when significant differences emerged between groups. The Scheffe test was applied to identify the sources of differences. Results revealed no statistically significant difference in average mental resilience scores based on gender (p>0.05). However, significant differences were found in Confidence and Persistence sub-dimensions based on age (p<0.05), as well as in the Confidence sub-dimension and total scores based on weekly training frequency (p<0.05). In summary, this study investigated the relationship between mental resilience levels and variables like gender, age, and weekly training frequency among veteran tennis players. It found that these factors indeed impact the mental resilience of veteran tennis players, contributing new insights to the field and future research.