Development and validation of the mental toughness inventory (MTI) : a construct validation approach

The rise of champion athlete is a fascinating and complex process. This process is often marked by significant and determining moments or turning points - moments that provide new wisdom and provoke change, growth and learning. Yet, initially these adverse or pressure-filled moments are often unappreciated, recognized only in the hindsight. It is suggested here that, once overcome, adversity can provide a significant turning point in an athlete's career pathway. To the extent that is is the case, it is evident that 'success' requires adversity as much as it requires competitive triumph. It is further proposed that the capacity to endure and triumph over adversity is as relevant to athletes preparing for an Olympic Games or World Championships as it is to business people progressing through a global financial crisis, or families living through hardship. Thus, the concept of mental toughness is generalizable to all individuals who must endure and triumph over adversity to perform to their potential. In this chapter we describe key findings from our qualitative and quantitative research into mental toughness and the implications these findings have for mental toughness theorizing, measurement and practice.