Mental Toughness (SL)

• The psychological resilience that enables individuals to remain confident, focused and determined in the face of stress, pressure and adversity. 

Four C’s 

Control: someone in charge of directing others. Bodies’ output is under control 

Perceived control and mental toughness are compared to other athletes, including coping with hardships and determination.

Commitment: Ability to carry out tasks successfully despite obstacles. Good work ethic, attendance 

Challenge: see challenges as opportunities and not roadblocks. Hard work, determination 

Trained with challenges increases mental toughness 

Confidence: Pushing through hardship until success is reached. Reaching success will increase confidence 

Mentally tough individuals will have high resilience

Psychological skills training 

• Systematic practice of mental techniques to enhance athletic performance and well-being 

E.g. Goal setting (SMART), mental imagery, relaxation techniques, self-talk 

Mental toughness is self reported and has limitations due to inconsistent definsition.

Questionaires like MTQ48, SMTQ but they are all subject to social desirability.

How does mental toughness contribute to succesful sporting performance in high pressure situations?

Mental toughness is linked to control wherby an athlete who feels in control of a situation especially when high pressure situations arise they are more mentally tough. These high pressure situations will be seen as learning curves instead of roadblocks to mentally tough individuals. An individual cofnidence in themselve will be abkle to overcome these situations aswell.