Sports, Exercise and Health Science · C.1 Individual differences

SEC.1.2 — Mental toughness

Sports, Exercise and Health Science · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. SEC.1.2.1

   What mental toughness is

   Mental toughness is an aspect of personality that partly explains how individuals manage challenging and pressurized situations.

2. SEC.1.2.1.1

   The five components

   Mental toughness encompasses appraisal of challenges, commitment, confidence, perceived control and resilience.

3. SEC.1.2.1.2

   Performance under pressure

   Mental toughness contributes to successful sporting performance in high-pressure situations.

4. SEC.1.2.1.3

   A malleable trait

   Mental toughness is a malleable personality trait. Studies suggest that mental toughness may be partly related to genetic traits, that in turn lead to personality traits. Studies also suggest that it can be developed further through training.

5. SEC.1.2.1.4

   Why it is hard to measure

   Mental toughness is difficult to observe, as it requires self-reported assessment.

6. SEC.1.2.2

   The self-fulfilling prophecy

   The theory of the “self-fulfilling prophecy” in sporting success suggests that a sportsperson’s perceived self-confidence results in greater persistence and effort, leading to an increased probability of eventual success.

7. SEC.1.2.2.1

   Learned helplessness

   “Learned helplessness” is associated with an individual’s self-perceived lack of control over their future.

8. SEC.1.2.3

   Mental toughness and health

   Mental toughness is positively associated with better health outcomes, including fewer depressive symptoms, fewer burnout symptoms and improved sleep quality.

9. SEC.1.2.4

   Attribution theory

   Attribution theory illustrates how perceived locus of causality, stability and control can impact subsequent self-confidence.