A Phenomenological Study: The Effects of Mental Toughness on Female Athletes and Return to Competition Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries (ACL) are the most common severe season ending or career ending injury (Petushek et al. 2019). One ACL injury costs the individual and healthcare system $38,000 which includes surgery and rehabilitative costs (Petushek et al., 2019). However, this amount does not account for the psychological effect of ACL injuries on the athletes. For all athletes, a major determinant in the decision to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery is the goal of returning to sport, but only 50% of athletes return to sport following ACL surgical intervention (Ardern et al., 2011). As females are up to three times more likely to sustain ACL injuries (Petushek et al., 2019), determining the experiences and mental toughness (MT) traits female athletes have that influence whether she returns to competition in her chosen sport is important. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the impact that mental toughness has on the decision to return to competition for biological female athletes who have undergone an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and rehabilitation program. Data was compiled through questionnaires focused on mental toughness, individual interviews, and two journal entries. Analysis of data was used to generate themes from significant statements and personal descriptions to address different MT traits and experiences that female athletes who return to competition following ACL injury have from those who do not.