Mental toughness measures: A systematic review of measurement properties for practitioners

Abstract

Aim

Mental toughness (MT) is a critical component of athletic success in sports. Several different scales have been developed to evaluate MT; however, it is unknown which of these is the best measure.

Purpose

The aim is to systematically review the current research, to evaluate the measurement properties of the identified scales, and to provide clinical recommendations on the use of the best measure.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the following EBSCO databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTSDiscus, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, PsycTESTS, and ERIC in May 2019. Another search was conducted in October 2020 to identify new articles that had been published since the initial search. The Consensus-based Standard for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist was used to evaluate quality of included studies. Quality appraisal of the reported measurement properties was based upon the COSMIN guidelines for the systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures.

Results

A total of 36 studies evaluating 15 unique scales were identified through the systematic literature search. Only a single scale, the Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory (MeBTough) demonstrated acceptable values for all measurement properties. Both the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) rated sufficient in structural validity, internal consistency, and hypothesis testing domains.

Conclusion

Despite the limited quantity of evidence available the MeBTough, MTQ-18, and MTInd appear to be the best rated measures; however, limited reliability data for the MTInd and MTQ-18 are concerns that need to be addressed through future research.

Lay summary

Assessment of mental toughness (MT) is important because of its relationship with performance and rehabilitation outcomes. Currently only a single scale (i.e. the Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory [MeBTough]) demonstrated acceptable quality in all categories; however, the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item mental toughness questionnaire (MTQ-18) are both promising. More data are needed to determine if these three measures are suitable for routine assessment of MT.

Implications for practitioners

• Practitioners should exercise caution when interpreting the results from these measures until additional high-quality data are available.

• The Mental, Emotional, and Bodily Toughness Inventory (MeBTough), the Mental Toughness Index (MTInd) and the 18-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) were the highest-rated general measures of mental toughness (MT) identified in this systematic review.

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