An examination of mental toughness in competitive sport.

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Author
Connaughton, Declan
Date
2008Type
Thesis
Publisher
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.
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This thesis provided an in-depth examination of mental toughness in sports performers, and
comprised three studies, of which Study 3 contained two parts. The aim of the thesis was to:
define mental toughness, identify its component parts, devise a working framework of mental
toughness, and identify the underlying mechanisms involved in the development and
maintenance of mental toughness. Study 1 addressed the definition of mental toughness and
its essential components using 10 international performers. The proposed definition
emphasized both general and specific dimensions , and 12 attributes fundamental to the ideal
mentally tough performer. These covered self-belief, desire/motivation, dealing with pressure
and anxiety, focus (þerformance and lifestyle related), and pain/hardship factors. Study 2 built
upon the findings of Study 1 in a sample of eight Olympic or World Champions, three
coaches, and four sport psychologists. Findings verified the definition, and identified 30
attributes that were developed into a working framework of mental toughness. The 30
attributes were found to cluster into 13 subcomponents and four dimensions within an overall
working framework: a general dimension (attitude/mindset), and three time-specific
dimensions (training, competition, post-competition). Study 3 re-interviewed l1 of the
participants from Study 2 regarding: (a) the development and maintenance of mental
toughness, and (b) how the framework dimensions and subcomponents interacted during the
development and maintenance process. Findings revealed four distinct career phases in the
development and maintenance of mental toughness. Critical incidents, both positive and
negative, were perceived to act as catalysts in cultivating mental toughness, and once
acquired, mental toughness needed to be maintained. Findings also confirmed the
development and subsequent maintenance of mental toughness over three stages. Factors
affecting development and maintenance included: stage l, skill mastery and socialization;
stage2, competitiveness, successes in training and competitions; and stage 3, international
competitive experience, education, the use of mental skills, a wide ranging social support
network, and reflective practice. This prolonged research program has resulted in an
empirically based definition of mental toughness, the development of a framework depicting
its component parts, and provided an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms involved in
the development and maintenance of mental toughness. Practical implications indicate that
mental toughness develops over three distinct stages, in the dimensional order of
attitude/mindset, training, competition, and post-competition, and requires maintenance.
Future directions are discussed in relation to measurement and intervention strategies.
Description
PhD Thesis School of Sport
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