Authors: Gucciardi, Daniel; Gordon, Sandy; Dimmock, James

Source: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Volume 21, Number 3, July 2009 , pp. 324-339(16)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

The general purpose of this study was to follow-up on quantitative data regarding the effectiveness of two different types of multimodal programs in enhancing mental toughness among youth-aged Australian footballers (Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock, 2009a). Specifically, we aimed to enhance the interpretability and meaningfulness of the quantitative data by eliciting key stakeholders' (athletes', parents', and coaches') perspectives on the goals, procedures, and results of the mental toughness training intervention through one-on-one interviews. Ten players, one of their parents (5 fathers and 5 mothers), and 3 coaches were interviewed. A thematic content analysis using the constant comparison method was performed on the transcribed verbatim data. Participants described several benefits of the program: valuing the importance of quality preparation, being more receptive to criticism, team cohesion, an increased work ethic, tougher attitudes, and the development and identification of transferable skills. Four processes including enhanced self-awareness, techniques for self-monitoring, techniques for self-regulation, and multiple-perspective discussions were identified by participants as ways that the program contributed to enhanced mental toughness. Finally, increased parent involvement, parent and coach education programs, and multi-source assessments and feedback were highlighted by participants as avenues for improving future developmental programs.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10413200903026074

Affiliations: 1: The University of Western Australia,

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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