Mental Toughness and Athletic Coping Strategies in Pakistani University Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mental toughness and athletic coping strategies in Pakistani university athletes. For this purpose, a correlational research design was used and university athletes (N=186) were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Data collection was done using self-made demographic sheet, sports mental toughness questionnaire (SMTQ) and athletic coping skills inventory (ACSI). Results were analyzed using Pearson moment correlation and independent sample t-test. Findings of the study revealed significant relationship between mental toughness and athletic coping strategies. All the subscales of mental toughness such as confidence, control and commitment showed significant positive relationship with the subscales of athletic coping strategies such as coping with diversity, coachability, concentration, confidence and achievement motivation, goal setting and mental preparation, peaking under pressure, and freedom from worry. It indicated that higher level of mental toughness is associated with better athletic coping strategies. Findings also indicated mental toughness and athletic coping strategies differ significantly in men and women university athletes. All the subscales of mental toughness also showed significant differences whereas five out of seven scales of athletic coping strategies differ significantly. Men athletes showed higher scores on both mental toughness and athletic coping strategies. This study has important implications for sports psychologists, and coaches in designing psychological interventions to enhance mental toughness, coping skills and performance of athletes.