Mental Toughness in Sports: An Essential Quality
The use of mental toughness in sports is essential, especially in professional league games, where focus and concentration is required in order for exceptional performance. The notion of ignoring distractions and focusing solely on the task ahead is constantly scrutinised by psychologists in order to determine the underlying factors resulting in poor performance (Carroll, 2013).
Mental toughness correlates to the term that refers to the positive attributes that are held to help a person cope with difficult situations, as it is seen to be a stress buffer that aids in pressurised and adverse situations (Clough et al. 2002). The term mental toughness is frequently used to describe the mental state of athletes, who are expected to persevere through difficult sport circumstances in order to succeed. Athletes competing in professional sporting tournaments are required to maintain a mental state that focuses solely on their sport; the refusal to be intimidated, the determination to finish on top, despite hardships and the ability to control and overcome emotions under immense pressure (Kent). The article, Masters 2013: How Elite Golfers Stay Cool Under Major Pressure (Carroll, 2013), highlights the intensity of the pressure associated with professional sporting, and the mental toughness that is essential to success. Similarly, the articles comprised by Crust (2009), Nichols et al. (2009), Dewhurst (2012) and the article by Crust and Swann (2011), shows the comparison of using a universal questionnaire to examine the development of mental toughness.
Golf is a sport that requires complete focus and perseverance in order to succeed. As stated by Carroll (2013), athletes are plagued with tremendous pressure from attempting to win majors, as well as juggling personal issues and competition stress. Mental toughness is essential in sports that require concentration, where athletes are seen to rely on routines and rituals to create a mind set that aids with the repetition
Mental toughness correlates to the term that refers to the positive attributes that are held to help a person cope with difficult situations, as it is seen to be a stress buffer that aids in pressurised and adverse situations (Clough et al. 2002). The term mental toughness is frequently used to describe the mental state of athletes, who are expected to persevere through difficult sport circumstances in order to succeed. Athletes competing in professional sporting tournaments are required to maintain a mental state that focuses solely on their sport; the refusal to be intimidated, the determination to finish on top, despite hardships and the ability to control and overcome emotions under immense pressure (Kent). The article, Masters 2013: How Elite Golfers Stay Cool Under Major Pressure (Carroll, 2013), highlights the intensity of the pressure associated with professional sporting, and the mental toughness that is essential to success. Similarly, the articles comprised by Crust (2009), Nichols et al. (2009), Dewhurst (2012) and the article by Crust and Swann (2011), shows the comparison of using a universal questionnaire to examine the development of mental toughness.
Golf is a sport that requires complete focus and perseverance in order to succeed. As stated by Carroll (2013), athletes are plagued with tremendous pressure from attempting to win majors, as well as juggling personal issues and competition stress. Mental toughness is essential in sports that require concentration, where athletes are seen to rely on routines and rituals to create a mind set that aids with the repetition