Mental Toughness and Individual Differences in Learning, Educational and Work Performance, Psychological Well-being, and Personality: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mental toughness (MT) is an umbrella term that entails positive psychological resources, which are crucial across a wide range of achievement contexts and in the domain of mental health. We systematically review empirical studies that explored the associations between the concept of MT and individual differences in learning, educational and work performance, psychological well-being, personality, and other psychological attributes. Studies that explored the genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in MT are also reviewed. The findings suggest that MT is associated with various positive psychological traits, more efficient coping strategies and positive outcomes in education and mental health. Approximately 50% of the variation in MT can be accounted for by genetic factors. Furthermore, the associations between MT and psychological traits can be explained mainly by either common genetic or non-shared environmental factors. Taken together, our findings suggest a ‘mental toughness advantage’ with possible implications for developing interventions to facilitate achievement in a variety of settings.

Effects of Physical Fitness and Mental Hardness on the Performance of Elite Male Basketball Players

“…Perhaps the sampling error led to the creation of this non-relationship. The research is consistent with Rice's (2017), Lin (2017) research.…”

“…If the level of physical fitness is low, it will lead to toughness. The present study is in line with the researches of Hardy (2014) and Lin et al (2017).…”

“…Conditions Strengths of competitions, stress, overcoming challenges, and athletic performance have also had a negative effect on the mental health of elite athletes. Lin et al (2017) showed that hardness and mental affinity are correlated. Hardness is a good predictor of mental health.…”

“…The results also showed that physical fitness is only correlated with self-confidence component and with other components there is no statistically significant correlation. Lin et al (2017) reviewed the impact of psychological hardiness and individual differences, work performance, and happiness. The results indicate that it would increase the performance of sporting activities.…”

“…Competitive conditions, stress to overcome challenges and optimal performance of sport have a negative effect on mental health of elite athletes. Lin et al (2017) showed that personality traits lead to the use of problem-solving strategies, hardiness and mental health, and hardiness is a good predictor of mental health and performance.…”