The mediating role of positive mental attitude in the relationship between mental toughness and athlete burnout: a cross-sectional study

Positive mental attitude partially explains the relationship between mental toughness and lower levels of burnout-particularly in the domains of emotional and physical exhaustion and reduced sense of accomplishment. Preventive and educational programs should focus on simultaneously enhancing key components of mental toughness (e.g., self-confidence, effectiveness) and fostering a positive mental attitude to support athletes' psychological resilience and long-term engagement in sport.