Abstract

 
 
 This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample of 175 male and 158 female South African tennis athletes (mean age = 29.09 years, s.d. = 14.00). The participants completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale to assess MT (confidence, constancy, control) and self-awareness (self-reflection and self-insight) dimensions, respectively. Linear regression indicated that self-insight (β=0.49), but not self-reflection (β=0.02), predicted global MT. Multivariate regression analyses were significant for self-reflection (ηp²=0.11) and self-insight (ηp²=0.24). Self-reflection predicted confidence and constancy (ηp²=0.05 and 0.06, respectively), whereas self-insight predicted all three MT subcomponents (ηp²=0.12 to 0.14). The findings extend prior qualitative research evidence supporting the relevance of self-awareness to the MT of competitive tennis athletes, with self-reflection and insight forming prospective routes through which athletes’ MT may be developed.
 
 
 
 
 Significance: 
 
 
 
 Self-awareness attributes were predictive of higher levels of mental toughness among competitive tennis players.
 Dimensions of self-awareness may offer routes for developing athletes’ mental toughness.
 
 
 
Highlights
Mental toughness (MT) is widely recognised as a fundamental attribute for attaining success in sport.[1]
This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample of 175 male and 158 female South African tennis athletes
The findings extend prior qualitative research evidence supporting the relevance of self-awareness to the MT of competitive tennis athletes, with self-reflection and insight forming prospective routes through which athletes’ MT may be developed
Summary
Mental toughness (MT) is widely recognised as a fundamental attribute for attaining success in sport.[1] Mentally tougher athletes maintain performance levels during adversity; perceive pressure as a challenge and a catalyst for prospering; and maintain emotional, cognitive and behavioural control despite situational stressors.[2] Considering the appeal that these cognitive and behavioural signatures have to athletes, MT has become a prominent research area in the sport performance literature.[3]. In addition to MT manifestation distinctions, these conceptualisations differ in the extent to which MT may be developed. In support of the mutual inclusivity of these perspectives, Gucciardi et al.[3] reported that a combination of intraindividual (i.e. within person) and interindividual (i.e. between person) differences may be attributed to the variability of MT. An athlete may display enduring patterns of MT across similar situations, but varied levels of MT across dissimilar situations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
