Mental toughness training circle (MTTC): what is its impact on the mental toughness, anxiety, and academic performance of college-level athletes and non-athletes?

Introduction and objectives: Even though MTTC is claimed to be a more systematic and comprehensive mental training model, there is not much evidence regarding the impact of implementing the MTTC model on athletes and non-athletes. Based on this, this research aims to examine the impact of the MTTC model mental training on athletes and non-athletes, both on psychological and cognitive aspects. Methodology: This study uses a mixed-method approach with embedded design. There are two groups, namely the intervention group (IG) which consists of 47 people and the control group (CG) which consists of 26 people. Results: The results of the study show that providing MTTC metal training has a significant effect on mental toughness (χ2 = 12.74; p < .001), anxiety (χ2 = 19.03; p < .001), and learning achievement (χ2 = 5.38; p < .05). Apart from that, the implementation of MTTC was also responded positively by respondents (χ2 = 19.86; p < .001). However, based on status (athlete vs. non-athlete), it was found that there was a significant difference only in the mental toughness and social validation variables (p < .001) while in the anxiety and academic achievement variables there were no significant differences (p > .05). Conclusion: The MTTC mental training model can be an alternative program to improve the psychological quality of athletes, but for subjects who are not athletes, it is necessary to adapt the examples and discussion so that they fit the context of the subject receiving mental training.