Exploring the Relationship between Suffering and Mental Toughness in Physically Active and Nonactive Individuals

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the presence and strength of associations between mental toughness (MT) and physical, psychological, and existential suffering (ES)-related variables in both physically active and nonactive individuals within the framework of existential positive psychology. Methods: 115 physically active and 22 nonphysically active individuals reported data on their levels of MT and perceived physical, psychological, and ES through an online questionnaire. Results: There is an inverse correlation between MT and all suffering-related variables, with association strengths ranging between low and moderate. The only correlations found to be stronger in the nonactive group compared to the physically active one were with regard to MT and physical distress (PHD); no other significant strength in correlations was found. In addition, direct comparisons between physically active and nonactive groups showed no significant differences in levels with regard to MT, physical suffering, PHD, psychological suffering, and ES variables. Conclusion: MT was inversely related to all forms of suffering, with a stronger correlation in nonactive individuals. No significant differences were found between active and nonactive groups across all measured variables, indicating that physical activity alone may not account for variations in these constructs.