Mental toughness in team sports: the impact of training on self-concept and psychological adaptation

Introduction: The research focused on developing structured methods to enhance mental toughness as a critical factor for overcoming challenges and promoting psychological adaptation among team sports players. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a mental toughness training program in improving physical self-concept and psychological adaptation among athletes in sports clubs in Al-Ahsa region. We hypothesized that a statistically significant difference was expected, with the experimental group expected to perform better based on the adoption of the training program. Methodology: An experimental approach was adopted for this study. A total of 80 athletes were selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups, each consisting of 40 participants. Data collection relied on standardized questionnaires designed to measure mental toughness, physical self-concept, and psychological adaptation. The experimental group underwent a structured mental toughness training program, while the control group did not receive any specific intervention. Results: The findings revealed significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group across all measured variables. Athletes who participated in the mental toughness training program demonstrated enhanced physical self-concept, increased psychological resilience, and better overall psychological adaptation to the demands of team sports. Discussion: Mental toughness training as a staple of athletic development blueprints leads to the overall growth developing on all platforms making difference in the aspect of psychological strength and physical sensitivity towards the optimum performance in the pressure field and sustainable success among players of team games.