Psychological Predictors of Athletic Performance: Emotional Intelligence, Coping Style, and Mental Toughness
Carr, Abby
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2014-04
Abstract
The present study examined the psychological predictors of success as they relate to performance levels. To this end, study 1 was conducted investigating the foremost psychological constructs athletes employ while in a competitive environment. Qualitative questions were asked to a sample of collegiate athletes and after the analysis of their responses, the emerging psychological constructs as potential predictors of performance were emotional intelligence, coping style, and mental toughness. These three constructs formed the basis of study 2, in which the three constructs were hypothesized to be predictors of performance. Measures of each construct were taken along with measures of performance. They were then analyzed to assess any significant correlations or interactions between them. Results indicated only a slight number of significant findings, failing to support the main hypothesis, despite previous literature indicating that these three constructs have a mediating effect on performance.