What Is This Thing Called Mental Toughness? An Investigation of Elite Sport Performers

Abstract

Using qualitative methods, this was the first journal paper to specifically investigate mental toughness. Focus group and individual interviewing of elite performers established a definition of mental toughness and twelve attributes considered fundamental to the make-up of mental toughness. The attributes related to self-belief, desire and motivation, performance focus and lifestyle-related factors, dealing with pressure, anxiety, and pain/hardship that is associated with top level performance. The findings represented a starting point for the scientific investigation of mental toughness and its development in performers. Connaughton contributed to the question generation, collected and analysed the data, and wrote parts of the manuscript.