Importance of Mental Toughness in Sport
Introduction to Mt in sport
Top level sport is characterized by a demand to excel at optimal levels while performing under conditions that are considered extremely demanding. The pursuit for performance excellence in sport encompasses the continuing development of four key facets of performance, namely physical, technical, tactical, and mental skills. However, when physical, technical, and tactical skills are evenly matched, which commonly occurs in competition especially at the highest level , performers who possess more of what is commonly referred to as ‘‘mental toughness’’ appear to prevail more often than those with less mental toughness (Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock, 2008). Psychological attributes such as self-confidence and the ability to cope with and interpret anxiety-related symptoms as positive are now commonly accepted as being major contributors to sporting success (cf. Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996; Mellalieu, Hanton, & Fletcher, 2006). Mental toughness has been reported to be the most important psychological characteristic in achieving performance excellence (e.g. Goldberg, 1998; Gould, Hodge, Peterson, & Petlichkoff, 1987).
Indeed, in a study of the psychological characteristics of Olympic champions, Gould, Dieffenbach, and Moffett (2002) identified mental toughness as the mental skill factor most frequently cited as a significant contributor to sports performance enhancement.
From the emerging knowledge base, mental toughness is considered to be multi-dimensional (comprising cognitive, affective, and behavioural components)
According to Loehr (1986), mentally tough performers are disciplined thinkers who respond to pressure in ways which enable them to remain feeling relaxed, calm and energised because they have the ability to increase their flow of positive energy in crisis and adversity. They also have the right attitudes regarding problems, pressure, mistakes and competition. Mental toughness has been defined by Loehr
Top level sport is characterized by a demand to excel at optimal levels while performing under conditions that are considered extremely demanding. The pursuit for performance excellence in sport encompasses the continuing development of four key facets of performance, namely physical, technical, tactical, and mental skills. However, when physical, technical, and tactical skills are evenly matched, which commonly occurs in competition especially at the highest level , performers who possess more of what is commonly referred to as ‘‘mental toughness’’ appear to prevail more often than those with less mental toughness (Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock, 2008). Psychological attributes such as self-confidence and the ability to cope with and interpret anxiety-related symptoms as positive are now commonly accepted as being major contributors to sporting success (cf. Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996; Mellalieu, Hanton, & Fletcher, 2006). Mental toughness has been reported to be the most important psychological characteristic in achieving performance excellence (e.g. Goldberg, 1998; Gould, Hodge, Peterson, & Petlichkoff, 1987).
Indeed, in a study of the psychological characteristics of Olympic champions, Gould, Dieffenbach, and Moffett (2002) identified mental toughness as the mental skill factor most frequently cited as a significant contributor to sports performance enhancement.
From the emerging knowledge base, mental toughness is considered to be multi-dimensional (comprising cognitive, affective, and behavioural components)
According to Loehr (1986), mentally tough performers are disciplined thinkers who respond to pressure in ways which enable them to remain feeling relaxed, calm and energised because they have the ability to increase their flow of positive energy in crisis and adversity. They also have the right attitudes regarding problems, pressure, mistakes and competition. Mental toughness has been defined by Loehr