The Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Achievement Motivation For Athletes of Individual and Team Sports

"Mental Toughness and Achievement Motivation"

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the levels of mental toughness and achievement motivation among athletes participating in individual sports (such as athletics and karate) and team sports (including football and volleyball). Additionally, the study sought to explore the relationship between mental toughness and achievement motivation while identifying potential variations based on variables such as training experience. The developed questionnaires were based on the Mental Toughness and Achievement Motivation theory, yielding a sample of 420 players participants. The results indicated that, on average, the participants exhibited a high level of mental toughness and achievement motivation. Moreover, a positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between mental toughness and achievement motivation. Furthermore, noteworthy differences were detected in specific dimensions of mental toughness (such as positive energy and direction control) based on the variable of training experience, favoring athletes with more than 5 years of training.

Based on these results, researchers recommended that the importance of cultivating mental toughness among athletes and comprehending the various dimensions of pertinent psychological and cognitive factors specific to each sport. Understanding these dynamics is deemed crucial for the long-term success and excellence of athletes' careers.

Keywords: Mental Toughness, Achievement Motivation