Mental toughness

Since the turn of the twenty-first century, Mental Toughness has been defined in a variety of ways (e.g., Clough et al. 2002; Coulter et al. 2010; Fourie and Potgieter 2001; Golby and Sheard 2006; Gucciardi et al. 2008; Jones et al. 2007). Although they differ in many respects, the conceptualization shares a number of similarities. For example, self-belief is at the core of most definitions, and motivation is central to most as is persistence in achieving and the ability to deal with setbacks. As such, Mental Toughness 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. Clough and Strycharczyk ( 2015: 33) suggest that:
Mental Toughness is a narrow plastic personality trait which explains in large part how individuals respond differently to the same or similar stressors, pressures, opportunities and challenges… irrespective of prevailing circumstances.