Mental Toughness and Success in Sport: A Review and Prospect

Richard Gregory Cowden

doi:10.2174/1875399x01710010001

Abstract

Background:Mental toughness (MT) is often referred to as one of the most important psychological attributes underpinning the success of athletes. Although selected studies have examined this common supposition, research in this area has yet to be synthesized.Objective:The purpose of this study was to review the quantitative literature on MT, competitive standard, achievement level, and performance (competitive and non-competitive) in sport.Method:Searches using a specified key term were performed in 10 databases during August 2016. Following an initial screening of the unique records that were identified (N = 1025), 19 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review.Results:The majority of MT-competitive standard studies (N = 10) found total (66.7%) or subcomponent (71.4%) MT differences, with mentally tougher athletes participating at higher levels of competition. Of the remaining studies (N = 9), most indicated (77.8%) mentally tougher athletes tend to achieve more or perform better.Conclusion:Collectively, the results point to mentally tougher athletes’ superior levels of success. The findings are discussed alongside the limitations associated with this part of the current MT in sport literature, with several important areas outlined for scholars to consider and pursue when conducting future research.

Highlights

IntroductionPivotal to athletic performance is the ability to more maintain desired athletic performance levels during critical periods of competition [1], such as during pressurised situations that typically evoke elevated levels of anxiety (e.g., penalty kicks) or when exposed to unexpected adversities (e.g., unfavourable umpire calls on crucial points) [2, 3]
Pivotal to athletic performance is the ability to more maintain desired athletic performance levels during critical periods of competition [1], such as during pressurised situations that typically evoke elevated levels of anxiety or when exposed to unexpected adversities [2, 3]
Except for one longitudinal study, researchers employed cross-sectional designs to examine mental toughness (MT)

Summary

Introduction

Pivotal to athletic performance is the ability to more maintain desired athletic performance levels during critical periods of competition [1], such as during pressurised situations that typically evoke elevated levels of anxiety (e.g., penalty kicks) or when exposed to unexpected adversities (e.g., unfavourable umpire calls on crucial points) [2, 3] These kinds of situations become markedly important when athletes, who are separated by marginal physical and technical differences, are engaged in closely contested matches, games, or races [4]. It is within these competitive conditions, in particular, that athletes’ responses define their degree of success (or lack thereof); responses that are largely dependent on athletes’ psychological attributes [5]. Selected studies have examined this common supposition, research in this area has yet to be synthesized

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion