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Mental toughness in education: exploring relationships with attainment, attendance, behaviour and peer relationships

St Clair-Thompson, Helen; Bugler, Myfanwy; Robinson, Jamey; Clough, Peter; McGeown, Sarah P.; Perry, John

Authors

Helen St Clair-Thompson

Myfanwy Bugler

Jamey Robinson

Peter Clough

Sarah P. McGeown

John Perry



Abstract

Mental toughness has frequently been associated with successful performance in sport; however, recent research suggests that it may also be related to academic performance in Higher Education. In a series of three exploratory studies, we examined the relationship between mental toughness and different aspects of educational performance in adolescents aged 11–16, focusing on academic attainment, school attendance, classroom behaviour and peer relationships. Study 1 revealed significant associations between several aspects of mental toughness (but particularly control of life) and academic attainment and attendance. Study 2 revealed significant associations between several aspects of mental toughness (but again particularly control of life) and counterproductive classroom behaviour. Finally, Study 3 demonstrated significant associations between aspects of mental toughness (confidence in abilities and interpersonal confidence) and peer relationships. The results are discussed in terms of the potential value of mental toughness as a useful concept in education.

Citation

St Clair-Thompson, H., Bugler, M., Robinson, J., Clough, P., McGeown, S. P., & Perry, J. (2015). Mental toughness in education: exploring relationships with attainment, attendance, behaviour and peer relationships. Educational psychology, 35(7), 886-907. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2014.895294

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 12, 2014
Online Publication Date Mar 11, 2014
Publication Date Oct 3, 2015
Deposit Date Sep 1, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Educational psychology
Print ISSN 0144-3410
Electronic ISSN 1469-5820
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 35
Issue 7
Pages 886-907
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2014.895294
Keywords Academic performance, Problem behaviour, Personality
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/378444
Publisher URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443410.2014.895294
Additional Information Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=cedp20

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