Can athletes be tough yet compassionate to themselves? Practical implications for NCAA mental health best practice no. 4

Abstract

Recent tragic events and data from official NCAA reports suggest student-athletes' well-being is compromised by symptoms of mental health (MH) disorders. Self-compassion (SC) and mental toughness (MT) are two psychological constructs that have been shown effective against stressors associated with sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate SC, MT, and MH in a NCAA environment for the first time and provide practical suggestions for MH best practice No.4. In total, 542 student-athletes participated across Divisions (Mage = 19.84, SD = 1.7). Data were collected through Mental Toughness Index, Self-Compassion Scale, and Mental Health Continuum–Short Form. MT, SC (including mindfulness), and MH were positively correlated. Males scored higher than females on all three scales. No differences were found between divisions. SC partially mediated the MT-MH relationship, but moderation was not significant. Working towards NCAA MH best practice should include training athletes in both MT and SC skills (via mindfulness).

Mental Toughness Development via Military-Style Training in the NCAA: A Three-Phase, Mixed-Method Study of the Perspectives of Strength and Conditioning Coaches

“…These examples appear to have many similarities with the key dimensions of the Mental Toughness Index (MTI) [66]. They also support a recent recommendation that mindfulness should be examined as another dimension of MT [67]. Our results are in agreement with the literature, as collegiate SCCs have been found to be confident in developing efficacious MT through intentional physical practices [47,48,64].…”

Investigating the Links Between Performers’ Self-Compassion, Mental Toughness and Their Social Environment: A Semi-Systematic Review

“…Can mental toughness and inner kindness toward oneself work together to support mental health and performance? Despite differences, it seems that mental toughness and self-compassion share many commonalities ( Wilson et al, 2019 ; Johnson, 2020 ; Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ). To the best of our knowledge, Wilson et al (2019) were the first to explore the compatibility of these two concepts with regards to athletic performance.…”

“…The participants in the studies investigating these two concepts were mainly women ( Wilson et al, 2019 ; Stamatis et al, 2020 ). Both quantitative ( Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ) and qualitative ( Wilson et al, 2019 ) methods were used to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and mental toughness.…”

“…The participants in the studies investigating these two concepts were mainly women ( Wilson et al, 2019 ; Stamatis et al, 2020 ). Both quantitative ( Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ) and qualitative ( Wilson et al, 2019 ) methods were used to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and mental toughness. Researchers ( Wilson et al, 2019 ; Johnson, 2020 ; Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ) emphasized the importance of working on and developing mental toughness and self-compassion to equip performers to face the challenges they will encounter while allowing them to take care of their mental health.…”

“…Both quantitative ( Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ) and qualitative ( Wilson et al, 2019 ) methods were used to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and mental toughness. Researchers ( Wilson et al, 2019 ; Johnson, 2020 ; Stamatis et al, 2020 ; Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ) emphasized the importance of working on and developing mental toughness and self-compassion to equip performers to face the challenges they will encounter while allowing them to take care of their mental health. In some athletes, a high level of mental toughness but a low level of self-compassion can lead to difficulties in controlling their emotions in difficult moments ( Maranan and Lopez, 2021 ).…”