The relationship between mental toughness and psychological performance in amateur football players

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mental toughness and psychological performance levels of amateur football players and to determine whether these variables differ according to various demographic characteristics. The study was conducted using the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of 418 amateur football players who voluntarily participated in the study and were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and the Sports Psychological Performance Evaluation Scale (SPPES). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that the participants had generally high levels of mental toughness and low-to-moderate levels of physical and cognitive anxiety. Significant differences were found in certain dimensions of mental toughness and psychological performance according to age, playing position, years of sports participation, and weekly training frequency. Correlation analysis indicated significant negative relationships between mental toughness and physical-cognitive anxiety, whereas significant positive relationships were found between mental toughness, motivation, and self-confidence. Regression analysis demonstrated that mental toughness significantly and negatively predicted physical-cognitive anxiety, while it significantly and positively predicted motivation and self-confidence. In conclusion, mental toughness was found to be an important determinant of psychological performance among amateur football players. As mental toughness increased, anxiety levels decreased, whereas motivation and self-confidence levels increased. Therefore, psychological skills training programs and sport psychology interventions aimed at enhancing mental toughness may contribute positively to athletes’ psychological performance and overall sporting success.