Perceived Coaching Style of Youth Basketball Coaches and Players' Mental Toughness: A Comparison between Germany and Japan

Drawing on the mediational model of leadership in sport (Smith & Smoll, 1989), the perception and recall of coach behavior are viewed as key mechanisms influencing athlete development. These perceptions are shaped by individual characteristics and culturally embedded expectations. Additionally, mental toughness is considered a significant predictor of athletic success (Clough et al., 2002). Given that coaches operate in diverse cultural contexts, culturally sensitive leadership is of growing relevance. This study examines the relationship between adolescents’ mental toughness and their perception of transformational and servant leadership, with a focus on cultural and gender-related differences. Data were collected from 237 youth basketball players across 24 teams (Germany: n=111, 40% female, Mage=15.00, SD=.14; Japan: n=126, 34% female, Mage=16.00, SD=.52). Participants completed the Differentiated Transformational Leadership Inventory (Vella et al., 2012), the Revised Servant Leadership Profile for Sport (Rieke et al., 2008), the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 18 (Clough et al., 2002), and selected scales from the Dimensions of Culture Questionnaire (House et al., 2004). A forward–backward translation procedure was used. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the model structures; reliability coefficients ranged from .49 to .91. Results revealed general cross-cultural similarities, with Japanese players rating servant leadership higher, while German players reported higher values for acceptance of group goals, role modeling, and contingent reward. Notably, associations between mental toughness and transformational leadership emerged only among German male athletes. These findings highlight the practical value of culturally informed coach education that addresses both leadership styles and the development of mental toughness.