The relationships among mental toughness, hardiness, optimism and coping: a structural equation modeling approach

摘要: Sport can be stressful with the time demands, emphasis on winning, and high expectations. Being able to positively reinterpret events, remain calm relaxed under pressure, maintain emotional control may essential athletes' ability cope various demands of sport. These elements are characteristics mental toughness (Crust & Clough, 2005), which a protective factor in coping This research examined reliability validity Mental Toughness Scale (MTS) by investigating relationships behavior, related constructs hardiness optimism. Specifically, four aims were addressed current study. The first aim assessed structure gender variance MTS, while second MTS. third optimism behavior within structural model. fourth explored differences main variables as well among these variables. Five hundred seventy collegiate athletes from sports (i.e., soccer, baseball/softball, basketball, wrestling, track field, cross-country, tennis, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming, rifle) levels play completed measures (either online or via hard copy group settings) assessing toughness, hardiness, optimism, coping. Using correlation/regression analysis Structural Equation Modeling, MTS was found valid measure superior predicting approach styles problem-, emotion-focused coping) response sport-related stress. Additionally, there no between Although is still its infancy, findings demonstrate that psychometrically strong tool for positive behaviors. More work needed possible stress-buffering effects benefits this psychological characteristic. Future then determine how developed what populations (e.g., injured, transitioning athletes) gain most benefits.