Browsing by Subject "urheilupsykologia"

Increasing academic interest has been targeted towards psychological factors behind elite athletes' performances. Mental toughness (MT) is an umbrella term created to depict these characteristics. MT is commonly seen as a caravan of psychological resources that supports pursuing sporting goals in both practice and competitive situations. Emotion and thought regulation and traits and attitudes such as determination and dedication to sport have been thought to be some of the most pivotal examples of MT characteristics. Although there are naturally differences between the psychological demands of different sports and their practices and competitions, MT is still seen as an adept construct to describe the psychological characteristics supporting performing at the highest level. The aim of this review is to examine the common aspects of the definitions of MT, what is known about the development of MT, the associations with sports performances and the mechanisms MT works behind performance in elite sports context. In addition to the likely genetic basis of MT, also parents in childhood and coaches with other sports personnel during later sports career play a significant role in the development of MT. A training environment that is supporting and challenging at the same time is seen optimal considering the development of MT. Higher MT scores have been connected rather systematically with both better results and higher levels of competition. Of the characteristics of MT, control of negative thoughts and emotions, self-confidence and dedication to sports have been the ones to be associated most strongly with better performances. The meanings of thought and emotion control have been thought to emphasize in demanding, pressured situations and in adversities during sports career. Dedication, conscientiousness and determination are seen as important features behind purposeful training and creating and following competition plans. Practicing these, frequently highlighted as important, characteristics could be particularly beneficial for elite athletes from the early stages of the career. It has also been noted that many characteristics of MT, for example emotion regulation and perception of self-efficacy support also psychological well-being. Although the first MT development interventions have yielded promising results, the results are still relatively scarce and need more attention to be focused in future.