An Exploratory Case Study of Mental Toughness Variability and Potential Influencers over 30 Days

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore whether mental toughness varies across a 30-day training block and whether such variability is associated with specific antecedents. This exploratory case study research investigated mental toughness variability using the Mental Toughness Index (MTI) with thirteen elite master runners across a series of self-selected training sessions, followed by interviews and follow-up questionnaires, to identify primary influencers of variability. There were significant differences in the MTI scores between baseline (before the training period), and the minimum and the maximum reported score over five self-selected training sessions (p’s < 0.004). The proceeding follow-up interviews and questionnaires then provided insights into factors influencing this intra-individual variability. These higher-level themes included foundational wellbeing, specific preparation, and actions utilized in the moment. This study is the first to demonstrate within-person MTI variability across specific training sessions and provides initial insights for both athletes and practitioners into potential influencers of mental toughness.

The impact of sleep on mental toughness: Evidence from observational and N-of-1 manipulation studies in athletes.

“…Follow-up interviews highlighted some of the reasons that restricted and extended time in bed did not consistently influence their perceived mental toughness, as multiple participants pointed to additional influencers that helped them buoy or at least limit the drop in mental toughness when sleep was limited. These included general mentality about sleep, purposeful strategies to elevate mental toughness throughout the day, foundational well-being elements (hydration and enhanced nutrition), and advanced personal planning (Cooper et al, 2019). Two of the participants also noted that the reduced sleep weeks coincided with high adrenaline weeks professionally, which they both indicated may have provided a similar buoy to their mental toughness scores during that period.…”

“…Study participants were initially recruited from among the 13 elite masters athletes who participated in a previous study (Cooper, Wilson, & Jones, 2019) Six athletes volunteered (see Table 1 for demographic information) to participate and all six completed the entire study. A recent review of 34 different 'N-of-1' study designs (McDonald et al, 2017), reported a mean sample size of five participants and a median of four.…”

A Narrative Systematic Review of the Mental Toughness Programme Offered by the National Youth Development Agency

“…Importantly youth develop self-confidence that can make people around them feel threatened by their positive attitude towards life. A study conducted by Cooper, Wilson, and Jones (2019) shows that the mental toughness programme helps in building youth confidence that makes youth to work hard towards their goals.…”

“…Crust, Earle, Perry, Earle, Clough, and Clough (2014) argues that mental toughness programme can be useful in institutions of higher learning in assisting to identify students who are struggling academically and help in reducing students' dropout. Cooper, Wilson & Jones, (2019) argues that the mental toughness programme helps youth to work too hard toward the attainment of their goals. In addition to that thriving for one to achieve goals in life among youth was found to be embedded in the mental toughness programme.…”

Wellness Review 2019, Part 1

“…An exploratory case study of mental toughness variability and potential influencers followed 10 master runners (men and women, avg. age 48yo) during a month of training [21]. Mental toughness varied significantly over time, manifesting as a state rather than trait.…”