A Narrative Systematic Review of the Mental Toughness Programme Offered by the National Youth Development Agency

The rapid increase of poverty, crime, and unemployment in South Africa results in youth vulnerability. Youth not in employment, not in education, and not in training are most vulnerable to life setbacks, find it difficult dealing with criticism, rejection, and failure. Thus, youth workers responsible for the coordination of youth service programme need to design an autonomy-supportive programme that can prepare youth mentally before youth are placed in a youth development programme that seeks to enhance youth employability. The National Youth Development Agency in South Africa under the National Youth Service Programme has developed a mental toughness programme curriculum that NYS volunteers undergo before participating in youth skill development programme or community service programme for a minimum of five days. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of the Mental Toughness Programme on the positive development of youth through youth lived experience in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. This study made use of a qualitative research approach, non-probability sampling to sample eight youth who participated in the Mental Toughness Programme offered by the National Youth Development Agency. In this study, we recommend that the National Youth Development Agency knowledge and research division should conduct a longitudinal study that can evaluate the impact of the Mental Toughness Programme on positive youth development in South Africa. The National Youth Development Agency should revise the mental toughness programme curriculum in a way that the programme goes beyond five days and physical toughness should be cooperated in the curriculum to enhance social cohesion. Received: 27 July 2021 / Accepted: 6 October 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Mental toughness as predictor of state anxiety of Serbian athletes

The goal of this research was to test whether and to what extent mental toughness contribute to the explanation of state anxiety in athletes. This study relied on a multidimensional construct of anxiety which includes somatic and cognitive anxiety. Dimensions of anxiety were measured with “Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2” (cognitive and somatic anxiety), and mental toughness was measured with “Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire”. The research sample consisted of 117 athletes, 67 men and 50 women, who have been actively engaged in various competitive sports. The structure of the sample by age was: 64 athletes are from 20 to 25 years old; 19 respondents aged 25 to 30; 31 athletes aged 30 to 35; and 4 respondents are over 35 years old. The results showed statistically significant correlations between dimensions and overall mental toughness on the one hand and cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety on the other. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with the aim of predicting the dimensions of anxiety based on mental toughness. Based on the dimensions of mental toughness, 25% of the variability of cognitive anxiety and 22% of somatic anxiety were explained. Self-confidence as a dimension of mental strength is a predictor of all dimensions of the state of anxiety. This study has indicated a great significance of developing athletes’ mental toughness with the goal of reducing anxiety and achieving better performance in competitions.

Effect of a mindfulness programme training on mental toughness and psychological well-being of female athletes

Objectives Research has shown that mindfulness in athletes is associated with positive outcomes. We therefore assessed the effect of mindfulness training on increasing mental toughness (MT) and psychological well-being (PWB). Methods This was a parallel-group, pre-and post-test, randomised controlled pilot trial. Forty-five female athletes from Iranian universities in Tehran were randomly assigned into experimental ( n = 23) and control groups ( n = 22). Forty-two completed the trial. The mindfulness training group received the Mindfulness–Acceptance–Commitment programme for 7 weeks. All subjects completed the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS), Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire and PWB Scale. Data were analysed using mixed analysis of variance. Results Mindfulness training increased mindfulness in the experimental group ( p < 0.01). In turn, increased mindfulness led to increased MT and PWB at 2-month follow-up ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Given that mindfulness training may increase the MT and PWB of athletes, these techniques should be considered for inclusion in sports coaching.

Mental Toughness and Motivational Climate of Basketball Players According to Gender and Age Groups

Background: It has been a matter of curiosity by athletes, coaches, sports commentators, and sports psychologists why certain athletes are the world's best in their field. Aim: In our study, the mental toughness and motivational climates of licensed basketball players were examined according to age and gender variables. Methods: In this study, the relational screening model was used to determine the relationship between mental toughness and motivational climate in licensed basketball players studying in physical education and sports teaching departments. Results: As a result of this study, where mental toughness and motivational climate, which are known to be necessary to maintain the ideal performance level during competition, are evaluated according to age and gender variables, it is seen that the motivational climate and mental toughness scores do not differ according to the gender of the athletes. Conclusion: As a result of this study, where mental toughness and motivational climate, which are known to be necessary to maintain the ideal performance level during competition, are evaluated according to age and gender variables, it is seen that the motivational climate and mental toughness scores do not differ according to the gender of the athletes. Keywords: Mastery Climate, Performance Climate, Mental Toughness, Age, Gender

Mental Toughness and Motivational Climate of Volleyball Players

Background: Sports psychology focuses on the analysis of various psychological variables and cognitive processes that affect athletes' performance and focuses on improving their cognitive abilities to maximize efficiency. Aim: The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between mental toughness and motivational climate in licensed volleyball players studying in Coaching Education departments. Methods: In this study, the relational screening model was used to determine the relationship between mental toughness and motivational climate in licensed volleyball players studying in Coaching Education departments. Results: it was concluded that the performance climate levels of licensed volleyball players studying in coaching education departments increased as their level of confidence increased, and decreased as their constancy and control levels increased. Again, as a result of the analysis, it was observed that the variables of confidence, constancy and control had a significant role in predicting the performance climate of licensed volleyball players. Conclusion: it can be said that mental toughness predicts motivational climate in licensed volleyball players who study in coaching education departments. Keywords: Mastery Climate, Performance Climate, Mental Toughness, Coaching Education Students, Motivational Climate.

An Investigation of Mental Toughness Skills in Athletes Snowboard and Ski

Aim: The aim of this research; The aim of this study is to investigate the mental toughness skills of athletes in ski and snowboard. Methods: For data collection, “Mental Toughness Scale” was used which was developed by Sheard et al. 8 and was adapted to Turkish by Altıntaş and Koruç 9 to 212 participants in total consisting of 74 female and 138 male For data analysis, SPSS statistical packet program was used for frequency analysis, and independent t-tests, one-way anova and tukey test were run to find out the source of the difference among different groups of participants Results: Significant differences were found when comparing the mental toughness of the participants according to their branches (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to this; It is seen that skiers have more mental endurance skills than snowboarders. Keywords: Snowboard, Ski, Mental Toughness, Sport

Mental Toughness

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight what is known (relative consistency based on research) and what is unknown (inconsistency or lack of research) regarding the research area of mental toughness. The specific areas of mental toughness chosen that are known included (a) psychological attributes; (b) genetic versus learned aspects; (c) multidimensional or unidimensional in nature; (d) mental toughness, hardiness, and resilience; and (e) behaviors of mentally tough athletes. Through a combination of targeting theoretical questions, applied questions, and methodological questions, the mental toughness areas chosen that are unknown included (a) the stability of mental toughness; (b) mental toughness and physical toughness; (c) the relationship between mental toughness, mental health, and physical health; and (d) identifying mental toughness. Within these four areas, future directions for research are presented.