The mediating role of mental toughness in sport

A. R. Nicholls, J. L. Perry, L. Jones, C. Sanctuary, F. Carson, P. J. Clough

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)


Aim: We conducted two studies that examined different models, which included mental toughness and psychological constructs that are thought to be related to this construct. Methods: In Study 1, 531 athletes completed measures of mental toughness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. In Study 2, 522 athletes completed measures of mental toughness, sport motivation, and self-efficacy. Results: There were positive paths between the constructs in the model, which were mediated by mental toughness in Study 1. Further, there was a positive path between mental toughness and self-efficacy, but negative paths with introjected regulation and amotivation in Study 2. Conclusion: This two study paper suggests that it might also be the presence of constructs such as resilience, emotional intelligence, motivation, and/or self-efficacy that enable mentally tough individuals to excel under stressful circumstances rather than just coping.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)824-834
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Issue number7-8
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2015
Externally publishedYes


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