Mental toughness, optimism, pessimism, and coping among athletes

Nicholls, Adam R.; Polman, Remco C.J.; Levy, Andrew R.; Backhouse, Susan H.

doi:10.1016/j.paid.2007.11.011

Mental toughness, optimism, pessimism, and coping among athletes

Nicholls, Adam R.; Polman, Remco C.J.; Levy, Andrew R.; Backhouse, Susan H.

Authors

Professor Adam Nicholls A.Nicholls@hull.ac.uk
Professor of Psychology/ Leader of the Sport Psychology and Coaching Group

Remco C.J. Polman

Andrew R. Levy

Susan H. Backhouse

Abstract

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. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Nicholls, A. R., Polman, R. C., Levy, A. R., & Backhouse, S. H. (2008). Mental toughness, optimism, pessimism, and coping among athletes. Personality and individual differences, 44(5), 1182-1192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2007.11.011

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Nov 14, 2007
Online Publication Date	Dec 21, 2007
Publication Date	2008-04
Journal	PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
Print ISSN	0191-8869
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	44
Issue	5
Pages	1182-1192
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2007.11.011
Keywords	Mental toughness; Coping; Optimism; Pessimism
Public URL	https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/391463
Publisher URL	https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886907004175?via%3Dihub