Abstract (eng)
Mental toughness as a critical element in a variety of sports lacks quantitative studies to overcome conceptual ambiguities and to reach consistent operationalizations of the construct. This study investigates the structure of mental toughness, assessed with the MTQ48 and the SMTQ, and explores connections to sports-related constructs, with a focus on testosterone, namely digit ratio (2D:4D), handgrip strength, laterality, sensation seeking, and explicit and implicit aggression. Mental toughness and the other constructs were measured in a sample of 106 lacrosse players from Austria and Germany. The psychometric quality of the two questionnaires appears to require further discussion and modifications as well as the correlations between the questionnaires. Mental toughness shows significant relations with aspects of direct aggression, sensation seeking, and participantsʻ sex. The factor Control has a significant impact on sporting success of lacrosse players, as well as on handedness. 2D:4D did not significantly predict sporting success, but indicated somewhat better athletic performance with a masculine 2D:4D. Further research should consider the specific nature of the studied sport, participantsʻ sex, and expand investigations into contexts beyond sport to overcome conceptual boundaries.