Mental toughness: managerial and age differences

Polman, Remco C J; Marchant, David C.; Polman, Remco C. J.; Clough, Peter J.; Jackson, James G.; Levy, Andrew R.; Nicholls, Adam R.

doi:10.1108/02683940910959753

Mental toughness: managerial and age differences

Polman, Remco C J; Marchant, David C.; Polman, Remco C. J.; Clough, Peter J.; Jackson, James G.; Levy, Andrew R.; Nicholls, Adam R.

Authors

Remco C J Polman

David C. Marchant

Remco C. J. Polman

Peter J. Clough

James G. Jackson

Andrew R. Levy

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

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental toughness. In addition, the study seeks to explore possible effects of age on mental toughness. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 522 participants working in UK-based organisations completed demographic information and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire. Findings - Results revealed significant main effects for both managerial position and age. Follow-up analysis revealed that mental toughness ratings were higher in more senior positions, and that mental toughness generally increased with age. Research limitations/implications - The main limitation of the study is its cross-sectional. design. Longitudinal studies investigating the development of mental toughness over time or the effect of mental toughness training are needed. It appears, however, that age plays a role in an individual's mental toughness profile. This suggests that increased exposure to significant life events may have a positive developmental effect on mental toughness. Originality/value - The results of the study would suggest that mental toughness can be developed through appropriate training programmes.

Citation

Marchant, D. C., Polman, R. C. J., Clough, P. J., Jackson, J. G., Levy, A. R., & Nicholls, A. R. (2009). Mental toughness: managerial and age differences. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 24(5), 428-437. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940910959753

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Dec 31, 2009
Publication Date	Jun 26, 2009
Journal	JOURNAL OF MANAGERIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Print ISSN	0268-3946
Publisher	Emerald
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	24
Issue	5
Pages	428-437
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940910959753
Keywords	Applied Psychology; Management Science and Operations Research; Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management; Social Psychology
Public URL	https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396188