TY - JOUR
T1 - Mental toughness, optimism, pessimism, and coping among athletes
AU - Nicholls, A.R.
AU - Polman, R.C.J.
AU - Levy, Andy
AU - Backhouse, S.H.
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - The concept of mental toughness is widely used, but empirical evidence is required to fully understand
this construct and its related variables. The purpose of this paper was to explore the relationship between:
(a) mental toughness and coping, (b) mental toughness and optimism, and (c) coping and optimism. Participants were 677 athletes (male 454; female 223) aged between 15 and 58 years (M age = 22.66 years, SD = 7.20). Mental toughness correlated significantly with 8 of the 10 coping subscales and optimism.
In particular, higher levels of mental toughness were associated with more problem or approach coping
strategies (mental imagery, effort expenditure, thought control, and logical analysis) but less use of avoidance coping strategies (distancing, mental distraction, and resignation). Eight coping subscales were significantly correlated with optimism and pessimism. In conclusion, the relationships observed in this study emphasize the need for the inclusion of coping and optimism training in mental toughness interventions.
AB - The concept of mental toughness is widely used, but empirical evidence is required to fully understand
this construct and its related variables. The purpose of this paper was to explore the relationship between:
(a) mental toughness and coping, (b) mental toughness and optimism, and (c) coping and optimism. Participants were 677 athletes (male 454; female 223) aged between 15 and 58 years (M age = 22.66 years, SD = 7.20). Mental toughness correlated significantly with 8 of the 10 coping subscales and optimism.
In particular, higher levels of mental toughness were associated with more problem or approach coping
strategies (mental imagery, effort expenditure, thought control, and logical analysis) but less use of avoidance coping strategies (distancing, mental distraction, and resignation). Eight coping subscales were significantly correlated with optimism and pessimism. In conclusion, the relationships observed in this study emphasize the need for the inclusion of coping and optimism training in mental toughness interventions.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-39149098102&partnerID=MN8TOARS
U2 - 10.1016/j.paid.2007.11.011
DO - 10.1016/j.paid.2007.11.011
M3 - Article (journal)
SN - 0191-8869
VL - 44
SP - 1182
EP - 1192
JO - Personality and Individual Differences
JF - Personality and Individual Differences
IS - 5
ER -