Abstract
![CDATA[Earlier qualitative research defined mental toughness as an unshakeable perseverance and conviction towards some goal despite pressure or adversity (Middleton, Marsh, Martin, Richards & Perry, in press, 2004). The purposes of this study were to (a) develop a measure of mental toughness, the Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI) and (b) confirm the underlying dimensions of mental toughness as identified previously in qualitative research. Our a priori model of mental toughness hypothesised 12 specific factors (self-efficacy, potential, mental self-concept, task familiarity, value, personal bests, goal commitment, perseverance, task focus, positivity, stress minimisation, and positive comparisons) and one global mental toughness factor. The pilot MTI was administered to 479 athletes (aged 12 to 19 years) based at an elite sports high school. The reliability coefficients for each of the factors ranged from .87 to .95 and the goodness of fit for the confirmatory factor analysis was good. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI). The MTI is a 67-item instrument designed to measure twelve components of mental toughness along with global mental toughness (i.e., 13 factors in total). The factors measured include Self-Efficacy, Future Potential, Mental Self-Concept, Task Familiarity, Value, Personal Best Motivation, Goal Commitment, Task Specific Attention, Perseverance, Positivity, Positive Comparisons, Stress Minimisation, and Global Mental Toughness. Previous research argues that there is a need for a multidimensional mental toughness instrument specific to elite athletes (Jones, Hanton, & Connaughton, 2002; Middleton, Marsh, Martin, Richards, Perry, in press, 2004; Murphy & Tammen, 1998). Collectively the researchers call for a clear rationale in construction/selection of items, followed by studies demonstrating validity and reliability. The present investigation represents a significant contribution to the field of sport psychology, providing the first instrument specifically designed to measure multidimensional mental toughness - designed following sound instrument development principles.]]
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Self-Concept, Motivation and Identity, Where To From Here? : Proceedings of the Third International Biennial SELF Research Conference |
Publisher | University of Western Sydney |
Number of pages | 1 |
ISBN (Print) | 1741080738 |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Event | International Biennial SELF Research Conference - Duration: 13 Jan 2009 → … |
Conference
Conference | International Biennial SELF Research Conference |
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Period | 13/01/09 → … |
Keywords
- mental discipline
- sports
- psychological aspects
- perseverance
- confirmatory factor analysis
- Mental Toughness Inventory