The influence of social support, anxiety, and self-confidence on peak performance among badminton athletes: the mediating role of mental toughness

Introduction: This study explores the effects of social support, anxiety, and self-confidence on peak performance among youth badminton athletes, emphasizing the mediating role of mental toughness. While prior research highlights these psychological factors, limited evidence addresses how mental toughness translates them into optimal outcomes. Objective: The study aims to analyze the direct and indirect influences of social support, anxiety, and self-confidence on peak performance, with mental toughness as a mediating variable. Methodology: A quantitative explanatory design was applied with 214 athletes selected via simple random sampling from 418 active players in badminton clubs across Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Instruments used included the PASS-Q (social support), SAS-2Id (anxiety), Sports Confidence Questionnaire, a performance scale adapted from Potgieter & Kidd (2011), and MTIid (mental toughness). Data were analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.0. Results: Social support significantly enhanced peak performance (t = 2.948; p = 0.003) and mental toughness (t = 4.034; p = 0.000). Anxiety negatively affected both peak performance (t = 3.757; p = 0.000) and mental toughness (t = 3.874; p = 0.000). Self-confidence positively influenced peak performance (t = 10.481; p = 0.000) and mental toughness (t = 9.784; p = 0.000). Mental toughness itself improved peak performance (t = 4.284; p = 0.000) and mediated the effects of social support (t = 3.176; p = 0.002), anxiety (t = 2.811; p = 0.005), and self-confidence (t = 3.723; p = 0.000). Conclusions: Social support, anxiety, and self-confidence significantly influence peak performance both directly and indirectly through mental toughness. Coaches should enhance athletes’ mental toughness, build supportive environments, strengthen confidence, and manage anxiety to optimize competitive success.