Mental toughness and empathy as match performance predictors of high-level female basketball players

Abstract

Study aim: The aim of this study was to explore empathy and mental toughness as predictors of match performance of young basketball players. Material and methods: The correlation design was used in order to meet the research goals. The research was conducted on a sample of 40 female basketball players, with average age of 16.15 ± 1.02 years, members of the four best teams of the National First Women’s Cadet League. Half of the players in the sample were also national team members. The independent variables empathy and mental toughness were assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire. The dependent variable match performance was assessed through match performance analysis based on indicators from official league statistics by calculating the performance index rating (PIR). Results: The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that by adding empathy to the model of mental toughness, the percentage of PIR variance explained increased from 21% to 46%. Conclusion: Adding empathy to the model of mental toughness increased its predictive value. The model of mental toughness and empathy, as predictors of match performance of young basketball players, was found to be very effective. The results are not unambiguous and indicate the need for further research in this area, as it could have a positive impact on the selection system in sport. Also, the research represents a step towards greater integration of sports and collective creativity studies.