Mental Toughness And Mindfulness Research Paper
Relationship between Mental Toughness and Mindfulness
Joshua Perez
Australian Catholic University
Relationship between Mental Toughness and Mindfulness
The psychological strength of an individual is just as important in the repertoire of an elite athlete as well as being physically strong and having high physiological capabilities. In some cases, the mental toughness of an athlete is what separates elite athletes from the rest of his/her competitors. According to McCanny (2014), the area that athletes tend to struggle in is focusing upon the moment that is present. The athletes whose mentality is at a high level can be defined as an elite athlete. The developmental process of strengthening the mental capabilities of an athlete is essential …show more content…
towards their success. Despite if an athlete’s physical and physiological capabilities are at en elite level, if they are not trained mentally, their potential of becoming better will fade. (Pattison, Connaughton., 2007). Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock (2009) began the evaluation of a mental toughness training program for youth aged Australian footballers. Three youth football teams were made and consisted of, a control, mental toughness training (MTT) and psychological skills training (PST). The teams were made to analyze the success the teachings of mental toughness. During a six-week period both MTT and PST groups attended a 2 hour session once a week. At the end of the six weeks, it was affirmative that the MTT and PST groups enhance mental toughness. According to the results, both groups showed significantly higher scores in ‘thriving through challenge’ and ‘displaying tough attitudes’ when compared to the control group (Gucciardi et al., 2009). A critical aspect in regard to an athlete’s performance is mindfulness; increasing present moment awareness without imposing the judgment on the quality of them (Plemmons 2014). (Moore 2014) states that as long as an athlete continues to sustain their optimal performance and goals, psychological interventions will be used in order to maintain their performance as well as development their mental capacities. Sports Psychologist and meditation teacher George Mumford worked extensively with Chicago Bulls of the 90’s during their prestigious reign upon the NBA. Michael Jordan was even quoted saying “that Zen Buddhist stuff really works!”. (Arch & Craske, 2006; Chambers, Gullone, & Allen, 2009; Hayes & Feldman, 2004) Has implied that mindfulness interventions don’t only improve performance for athletes by increasing positive emotions, but also by regulating self control due to reactions caused by the sport that they are playing. The aims of this report is to justify whether there is a corroboration between mental toughness and mindfulness in athletes. The psychological factors of mental toughness and mindfulness in an athlete plays the same roll as the physiological and physical capabilities in determining elite status for an athlete. The mental toughness capabilities can refer to traits such as consistent work ethic, self belief, resilience, attentional regulation as well as emotional regulation all of which are evident in elite athletes. Another essential factor controlling the further development of performance is mindfulness. Mental toughness and mindfulness support each other in terms of mental capabilities. Examples of mindfulness can be examined whether or not an athlete is cool calm and collected during the ‘moment’, in other words responding to pressure. The trait of thriving under pressure is an important factor for enhancing performance. It is key for athletes to be both mentally tough and mindful because when combined with their physical performance, it can bring out the maximum potential that athlete can give.
References
McCanny, C.
Thesportinmind. (2014). The Application of mindfulness practice in sport. Retrieved from http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/the-application-of- mindfulness- practice-to-sport/
Moore, Z. E. (2009). Theoretical and empirical developments of the Mindfulness- AcceptanceCommitment (MAC) approach to performance enhancement.
Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 4, 291-302. http://ezproxy.acu.edu.au/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=tr ue&db= s3h&AN=47733139&site=ehost-live
Pattison, S. Thesportinmind. (2013). What is mental toughness and why do you need it?. Retrieved from http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/what-is-mental-toughness- and-why-do-you-need-it/
Plemmons, M. (2014). The role of mindfulness in sport · The UK's leading Sports Psychology Website. Believeperform.com. Retrieved from http://believeperform.com/performance/the-role-of-mindfulness-in-sport/
Birrer, D., Rothlin, P., & Morgan, G. (2012). Mindfulness to enhance athletic performance: Theoretical considerations and possible impact mechanisms. Mindfulness, 3(3), 235- 246. doi:10.1007/s12671-012-0109-2
http://ezproxy.acu.edu.au/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0109-2
Joshua Perez
Australian Catholic University
Relationship between Mental Toughness and Mindfulness
The psychological strength of an individual is just as important in the repertoire of an elite athlete as well as being physically strong and having high physiological capabilities. In some cases, the mental toughness of an athlete is what separates elite athletes from the rest of his/her competitors. According to McCanny (2014), the area that athletes tend to struggle in is focusing upon the moment that is present. The athletes whose mentality is at a high level can be defined as an elite athlete. The developmental process of strengthening the mental capabilities of an athlete is essential …show more content…
towards their success. Despite if an athlete’s physical and physiological capabilities are at en elite level, if they are not trained mentally, their potential of becoming better will fade. (Pattison, Connaughton., 2007). Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock (2009) began the evaluation of a mental toughness training program for youth aged Australian footballers. Three youth football teams were made and consisted of, a control, mental toughness training (MTT) and psychological skills training (PST). The teams were made to analyze the success the teachings of mental toughness. During a six-week period both MTT and PST groups attended a 2 hour session once a week. At the end of the six weeks, it was affirmative that the MTT and PST groups enhance mental toughness. According to the results, both groups showed significantly higher scores in ‘thriving through challenge’ and ‘displaying tough attitudes’ when compared to the control group (Gucciardi et al., 2009). A critical aspect in regard to an athlete’s performance is mindfulness; increasing present moment awareness without imposing the judgment on the quality of them (Plemmons 2014). (Moore 2014) states that as long as an athlete continues to sustain their optimal performance and goals, psychological interventions will be used in order to maintain their performance as well as development their mental capacities. Sports Psychologist and meditation teacher George Mumford worked extensively with Chicago Bulls of the 90’s during their prestigious reign upon the NBA. Michael Jordan was even quoted saying “that Zen Buddhist stuff really works!”. (Arch & Craske, 2006; Chambers, Gullone, & Allen, 2009; Hayes & Feldman, 2004) Has implied that mindfulness interventions don’t only improve performance for athletes by increasing positive emotions, but also by regulating self control due to reactions caused by the sport that they are playing. The aims of this report is to justify whether there is a corroboration between mental toughness and mindfulness in athletes. The psychological factors of mental toughness and mindfulness in an athlete plays the same roll as the physiological and physical capabilities in determining elite status for an athlete. The mental toughness capabilities can refer to traits such as consistent work ethic, self belief, resilience, attentional regulation as well as emotional regulation all of which are evident in elite athletes. Another essential factor controlling the further development of performance is mindfulness. Mental toughness and mindfulness support each other in terms of mental capabilities. Examples of mindfulness can be examined whether or not an athlete is cool calm and collected during the ‘moment’, in other words responding to pressure. The trait of thriving under pressure is an important factor for enhancing performance. It is key for athletes to be both mentally tough and mindful because when combined with their physical performance, it can bring out the maximum potential that athlete can give.
References
McCanny, C.
Thesportinmind. (2014). The Application of mindfulness practice in sport. Retrieved from http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/the-application-of- mindfulness- practice-to-sport/
Moore, Z. E. (2009). Theoretical and empirical developments of the Mindfulness- AcceptanceCommitment (MAC) approach to performance enhancement.
Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 4, 291-302. http://ezproxy.acu.edu.au/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=tr ue&db= s3h&AN=47733139&site=ehost-live
Pattison, S. Thesportinmind. (2013). What is mental toughness and why do you need it?. Retrieved from http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/what-is-mental-toughness- and-why-do-you-need-it/
Plemmons, M. (2014). The role of mindfulness in sport · The UK's leading Sports Psychology Website. Believeperform.com. Retrieved from http://believeperform.com/performance/the-role-of-mindfulness-in-sport/
Birrer, D., Rothlin, P., & Morgan, G. (2012). Mindfulness to enhance athletic performance: Theoretical considerations and possible impact mechanisms. Mindfulness, 3(3), 235- 246. doi:10.1007/s12671-012-0109-2
http://ezproxy.acu.edu.au/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0109-2