Psychological Determinants of Sporting Success: An Analysis of Grit, Mental Toughness, and Passion among Youth Tennis and Basketball Players
Description
Purpose: Harmonious passion fosters engagement in sports and supports self-development and pursuit of mastery. Conversely, mental toughness influences the experience of stress and athletes' regeneration process, while a high level of grit enhances self-efficacy and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine whether grit, mental toughness, and passion can determine sporting success, as well as to explore the relationships between these variables. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 122 athletes aged 15 to 24 (M=19.16; SD=2.45), practicing tennis and basketball. The selected psychological variables were assessed using the Short Grit Scale, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and the Passion Scale. Results: Significant differences were found in self-confidence and emotional control (SMTQ) between females and males (Mann-Whitney U test). The study revealed significant statistical differences (independent samples t-test) in grit levels among athletes representing different sports levels. Moreover, higher harmonious passion characterized participants who collaborated with sports psychologists. The study also demonstrated several significant correlations between the examined psychological variables and age, sports experience, and training volume. Conclusions: Examining mental toughness, passion, and grit among athletes can provide valuable insights for coaches and sports psychologists in developing individual interventions supporting the holistic development of young athletes and aiding in achieving long-term goals. Keywords: sport psychology, young athletes, grit, passion, mental toughness