The Impact Of Mental Toughness On Mental Health
In our increasingly complex and demanding world, the preservation of mental health can be considered a chief priority. Not convinced? What if I told you the World Health Organisation cites depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people? How about if I mention that the estimated cost of mental health conditions to the global economy is projected to be $16 trillion by 2030 (WEF, 2019)? Regardless, it is a factor of increasing importance in society that requires addressing. This is complicated by the fact that a significant number of individuals do not receive or have access to mental health services (60% in the US alone, and many more worldwide).
So, given the above, what novel solutions can we identify that could support the growth and sustenance of mental well-being? Turns out, the cultivation of mental toughness may be one. This article endeavors to delve deeper into the compelling synergy between mental toughness and mental health by exploring research conducted using the esteemed Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ). We will examine how mental toughness, as gauged by the MTQ, can significantly influence and enhance our mental health.
Understanding Mental Toughness
Mental toughness, a multidimensional construct, can be characterized as the ability to deal effectively with stress, pressure and challenge and perform regardless of the circumstances. While traditionally associated with elite athletes and high achievers, mental toughness is equally relevant in everyday life. Research in this field has blossomed, and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ) stands as a vital instrument for evaluating this indispensable trait.
Developed by Dr. Peter Clough and Dr. Keith Earle, the MTQ comprises four distinct dimensions:
Control: Our ability to manage emotions, remain composed under pressure, and belief in self.
Commitment: Our aptitude for setting and pursuing goals with unwavering dedication, persisting through challenges, and maintaining a robust work ethic.
Challenge: Our readiness to embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than a threat.
Confidence: Our self-belief and self-assuredness in our abilities to achieve and influence others.
The Impact of Mental Toughness on Mental Health
Recent research has unearthed compelling insights into how mental toughness, as measured by the MTQ, profoundly impacts our mental health and well-being. Although more studies exist, here are headlines from three key papers:
Resilience and Stress Management: A groundbreaking study by Clough, Earle, and Sewell (2020) using the MTQ revealed that individuals with elevated levels of mental toughness exhibit not only greater resilience to stressors but also enhanced stress management skills. They are better equipped to manage stress and display a remarkable ability to bounce back from challenging situations. This heightened resilience is associated with a notable reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, underscoring the crucial role of mental toughness in maintaining mental health.
Well-Being and Positive Mental Health: A comprehensive examination conducted by Gucciardi et al. (2016) found that individuals scoring high on the commitment and control dimensions of mental toughness reported significantly higher levels of overall well-being and positive mental health. This suggests that cultivating these specific facets of mental toughness can serve as a protective factor against mental health issues. Practically, this could entail setting clear goals, fostering emotional control, and maintaining a strong work ethic to bolster overall well-being.
Enhancing Coping Mechanisms: Sheard's in-depth research (2012) demonstrated that mental toughness is closely linked to the utilization of adaptive coping strategies. Individuals with elevated mental toughness scores are more inclined to employ problem-focused coping mechanisms, such as seeking solutions to challenges, which can lead to more favorable mental health outcomes over time. This highlights the importance of developing mental toughness skills to improve one's ability to cope with adversity constructively.
Insights on Enhancing Mental Toughness for Improved Mental Health
While mental toughness is considered a stable trait, it is not fixed, and individuals can actively work to enhance it for improved mental health. Here are three insights on how to achieve this:
Goal Setting and Commitment: Establish clear, achievable goals and cultivate unwavering commitment to them. Breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps can foster a sense of achievement and reinforce mental toughness.
Mindfulness and Emotional Control: Practicing mindfulness techniques can enhance emotional control and resilience. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, can help individuals better manage stress and stay composed under pressure.
Challenging Comfort Zones: Embrace change and challenge your comfort zones regularly. This can help you develop the "challenge" dimension of mental toughness, making you more adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Me ‘challenging my comfort zone’ on an exposed section of mountain during a ridge traverse
The relationship between mental toughness and mental health is a compelling area of research that holds significant practical implications for personal well-being. By actively developing and nurturing mental toughness, individuals can enhance their mental resilience, well-being, and overall quality of life.
As our understanding of this synergy continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly evident that mental toughness is not just a desirable trait but a fundamental asset in the quest for mental well-being and life satisfaction.
If you would like to learn about how Mental Toughness could help you or your team with well-being, resilience and performance:
References:
Clough, P. J., Earle, K., & Sewell, D. (2020). Mental toughness: The concept and its measurement. In The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 186-198). Routledge.
Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2016). Evaluation of a Mental Toughness Training Program for Youth-Aged Australian Football Players: II. A Quasi-Experimental Training Study. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 38(4), 357-369.
Sheard, M. (2012). Mental Toughness: The Mindset Behind Sporting Achievement. Routledge.
World Economic Forum. (2019). Mental health: A global economic burden.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018.pdf
