TY - JOUR
T1 - Mental toughness: managerial and age differences
AU - Marchant, David
AU - Polman, Remco
AU - Clough, Peter
AU - Jackson, James
AU - Levy, Andy
AU - Nicholls, Adam
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental toughness. In addition, the study seeks to explore possible effects of age on mental toughness.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 522 participants working in UK-based organisations completed demographic information and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire.
Findings – Results revealed significant main effects for both managerial position and age. Follow-up analysis revealed that mental toughness ratings were higher in more senior positions, and that mental toughness generally increased with age.
Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the study is its cross-sectional design. Longitudinal studies investigating the development of mental toughness over time or the effect of mental toughness training are needed. It appears, however, that age plays a role in an individual's mental toughness profile. This suggests that increased exposure to significant life events may have a positive developmental effect on mental toughness.
Originality/value – The results of the study would suggest that mental toughness can be developed through appropriate training programmes.
AB - Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental toughness. In addition, the study seeks to explore possible effects of age on mental toughness.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 522 participants working in UK-based organisations completed demographic information and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire.
Findings – Results revealed significant main effects for both managerial position and age. Follow-up analysis revealed that mental toughness ratings were higher in more senior positions, and that mental toughness generally increased with age.
Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the study is its cross-sectional design. Longitudinal studies investigating the development of mental toughness over time or the effect of mental toughness training are needed. It appears, however, that age plays a role in an individual's mental toughness profile. This suggests that increased exposure to significant life events may have a positive developmental effect on mental toughness.
Originality/value – The results of the study would suggest that mental toughness can be developed through appropriate training programmes.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84993094818&partnerID=MN8TOARS
U2 - 10.1108/02683940910959753
DO - 10.1108/02683940910959753
M3 - Article (journal)
SN - 0268-3946
VL - 24
SP - 428
EP - 437
JO - Journal of Managerial Psychology
JF - Journal of Managerial Psychology
IS - 5
ER -