SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 6
Download to read offline
Quest Journals
Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science
Volume 5 ~ Issue 6 (2017) pp.: 01-06
ISSN(Online) : 2321-9467
www.questjournals.org
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
1 | Page
Department of physical education university of Tehran, Department of physical
education university of Tehran
Research Paper
The Effects of a Psychological Skills Training Program on Mental
Toughness of Skillful Female Volleyball Players
Elham Dehghani1
, Niloofar Ebrahimi2
Department of physical education university of Tehran,Department of physical education university of Tehran
Received 08 May, 2017; Accepted 08 June, 2017 © The author(s) 2017. Published with open access
at www.questjournals.org
ABSTRACT: The present study aims to investigate the effects of a Psychological Skills Training(PST) program
on mental toughness of skillful female volleyball players. The statistical population used in the study consists of
two league 1 female teams in Tehran province, Iran with total members of 22 individuals. From them, 11
individuals were selected randomly for each control group and experimental group. The data related to mental
toughness were collected using Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire of Sheard and Golby (2009). The
subjectsof the experimental group performed psychological practices for 8 weeks, 2 sessionsa week or total of
15 sessions such that each session included 30 minutes of the program. No program for psychological skills was
delivered to control group. After the 15th session, an after-test was taken through SMTQ from experimental
group based on the pre-test. Statistical methods in two descriptive and inferential levels and Kolmogorov–
Smirnov statistical tests and T-test were used for analyzing data. The obtained results indicated that volleyball
players who participated in Psychological Skills Training program have earned meaningfully higher scores in
all subscales compared to the control group. Finally, it can be concluded that a course on Psychological Skills
training has a meaningful effect on mental toughness of female volleyball players.
KEYWORDS: Psychological Skills Training (PST), mental toughness, female skillfulvolleyball players
I. INTRODUCTION
Most athletes, couches and even sport fans haveexperienced matches wherethe lack of psychological
preparedness impeded the success of the athlete or the team, despite their physical and technical preparedness.
Lack of motivation and concentration, low self-confidence, stress and anxiety may prevent the athlete from
getting the desirable performance. Often, what prevent anathlete from getting success or what causes other
athlete to get the peak of success has nothing to do with outside factors, rather it should be sought in inner and
mental world of athletes. Accordingly, performance and technical levels as well as success in many areasare
obtainablefor the athlete through Psychological Skills Training (Vaez Mousavi and Mosayyebi, 1386Shamsi).
Recently, the concept of mental toughness has attracted the attention of many sport psychologists and
they know how psychological factors perpetuatethe success of athlete in sport (Gucciardi and et al., 2008). Jones
et al. has defined mental toughness as “having heritable and developed (acquirable) psychological abilities
which cause the athlete to 1) generally confronts to his/her opponents more effective than them, event through
he/she must meet someperformance requirements, regardless of the performance of his/her opponents
2)especially enjoys better constancy and stability and is more determined, concentrated and self-confident to
handle high stress situations compared to his/her opponents.” People with mental-toughness tend to be interested
in social activities, since they are able to maintain their calmness and take risk, they are active in many
situations and have less anxiety compared. Theyare not affected by the situation and the competition in which
they are involved (Clough et al., 2002). Loehr(1985) conducted one of the earliest studies on mental toughness.
The researcher emphasized that as couches and athletes believe, at least 50 percent of success is due to
psychological factors resulted from mental toughness. Sport psychologists have always stated mental toughness
as one of the most important characteristics of couches, athletes and professional sport (Nichols, 2008).
The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female ..
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
2 | Page
Psychological Skills Training (PST) such as concentration, setting the excitement levels, increasing self-
confidence and maintaining the motivation requires regular practicing of skills (Weinberg and Gould, 2010).
According to the definition proposed by Weinberg and Gould (2007), Psychological Skills Training (PST)
involves regular, continuous and stable practicing of psychological and mental skills to increase performance,
increase pleasure or attain higher level of satisfaction or happiness. The methods and techniques which are
considered as standard components of PST are mainly obtained from main psychological resources (Weinberg
and Gould, 2010). Well-planned PST programs provide an opportunity for personal development of youth
athletes in competitive sport and extend mental skills which are used by athletes, thereby facilitate their growth
in other walks of their lives (Sheard and Golby, 2006).
A number of researchers have reviewed the studies that have been conducted to examine mental
toughness through qualitative methods (Crust and Azadi, 2010). For example, Golby and Sheard (2009) applied
psychological interventions as a means to evaluate mental toughness. Clough et al. (2002) has used the
psychological theory as the basis of their work and has defined mental toughness as a trait quality (Crust and
Azadi, 2010).
Boule and et al. (2005) conducted two qualitative studies on skillfulathletes. The obtained results
suggested that environmental factors including motivating situations, family influences, education and the
amount an individual is affected by his/her environment play a vital role in developing mental toughness. The
results obtained by Kenoten and et al. (2008) indicated that Psychological Skills Training (PST) plays an
external role and this is especially a good subject to study skillful individuals with high level of mental
toughness, who has shown qualities such as goal-setting, self-talk, visualization, coping strategies for
competitive anxiety (Crust and Azadi, 2010). The study of Golby and Sheard (2006) has received support as
Mental Skills Training proved to be influential on developing mental toughness. Mental skills are seen as
influential on mental toughness, which is considered to be a very valuable quality (Weinberg and Williams,
2006). Middletown and et al. (2004) also suggested that acquaintance or experience may increase mental
toughness. There are other evidences indicating that certain skills such as goal setting and self-talk plays an
important role on developing psychological strength (Kenoten and et al., 2008). While the effect of
environmental factors on developing psychological strength is evident and they have initially received supports,
the role of sport psychology interventions including Psychological Skills Training (PST) is less obviously seen
(Crust, 2007). A body of researches have been conducted in Iran to show psychological skills profile or compare
these skills (SanatiMonfared, 1385 and Jafari, 1386), but there are only very few studies which implemented a
Psychological Skills Training programduring athletes preparation stage (Khanjari, 1389).
Athletes need to develop mental toughness to cope with challenging opportunities they face and
overcome the hardships which impede their success (Kuehl, Kuehl and Tefertiller, 2005). Accordingly, the
attention of researchers has been focused on how mental toughness is developed. This is important for sport
psychologists working on athletes to increase their performance (Crust and Azadi, 2010).
A vast body of literature reported the benefits of the methods pursued in PST program. However, there
are only few studies which have tried to measure mental toughness experimentally as an independent special
variable. Since the performance and behavior of anathlete is directly affected by his/her own thoughts and
psychological preparedness plays a very effective role in today international fields, it seems more researches are
needed in this area.
If athletes enjoy a high level of mental toughness in their sport domain, is this mindset deliverable to
other areas? Sheard and Golby (2006) examined how incrementalenhancing effects of mental toughness can be
transferred from one context to different contexts. They showed that high level of mental toughness in the
domain of one activity doesn’t necessarily mean high level of mental toughness in the domain of other activities
(or other areas). Iranian sport section especially national teams need to undergo PST programs continuously to
learn and internalize these skills and increasingly improve sport performance and develop psychological
hardship, which has anundeniable role in the success of athletes.
During the last two decades, most researches have tried to conceptualize, define and describe the nature of
mental toughness in athletes and sport environment (Jones and et al., 2002; Loehr, 1995) and only a few
researches have examined how influential interventional factors including the Psychological Skills Training
affect and improve mental toughness (Crust, 2007). Thus, the present study seeks to determine whether a
Psychological Skills Training (PST) has any influence on mental toughness of elite female volleyball players?
II. METHODOLOGY
The present study is a semi-experimental pre-test &post-test method. The independent variables of the
study includes psychological exercises and rehearsals (goal setting, relaxation, visualization and self-
talk).Dependent variables of the study are the components of mental toughness including confidence, constancy
and control. The statistical population of the study consists of 22 players from two league 1 female volleyball
teams in Tehran province, Iran. The statistical sample was chosen and the subjects were selected in such a way
that firstly a list of league 1 female teams was prepared. Then, I selected 2 teams through a random sampling
The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female ..
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
3 | Page
method.BankeRefah and Shahrdari were two teams selected from this region. Then, one of these teams was
placed in the control group (including 11 individuals) and other team was placed in the experimental group
(including 11 individuals).
Data collection tool
The data were collected using Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire proposed by Golby and Sheard
(2009). Based on SMTQ which is the only especial tool for evaluating toughness in sport to this date, 3 factors
of confidence, constancy and control were considered the key factors of mental toughness. The validity and
reliability of this questionnaire were verified completely by Golby and Sheard (2009). They reported Cronbach’
alpha coefficient of confidence, constancy and control subscales to be 0.80, 0.74 and 0.71, respectively. The
validity of the questionnaire was also verified through confirmatory and exploratoryfactor analysis (Fournier
and et al., 2005). Also, Kashani, Farrokhi and Motesharrei (1390) evaluated the reliability of persian language
version of SMTQ questionnaire through examining temporal constancy (response stability) using test-retest
method with a two weeksinterval as well as through determining Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). They
also evaluatedthe consistency (internal stability) of the questions through Cronbach’ alpha coefficient. The
results obtained through this research indicated that intra-class correlation coefficient of subscales varied from
0.78 to 0.85 and Cronbach’ alpha coefficient varied from 0.73 to 0.83 indicating the acceptable reliability of the
questionnaire. Also, these researchers used two methods to determine the content validity of the questioner.
These methods are Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). They reported CVR of
0.83 and CVI of 0.85 with simplicity criterion, for specificity criterion of 0.87 and clarity criterion of 0.85,
respectively. This implies the efficacy of content validity for SMTQ questionnaireto be used ininternal
researches (Kashani and et al., 1390).
III. EXECUTION METHOD
We took measures to ensure that the subject of the study was fully understood by related federation and
get their cooperation for our research. Also, the technical team and the couches of the league 1 team (skillful
players) were informed about the importance of using psychological practices. Then, two teams were selected
randomly, of which one team was considered as the experimental group and other team was considered as the
control group for the study.Firstly, the mental toughness of the athletes was evaluated using Sport Mental
Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). In the next step, the researcher taught PST psychological practices to the
athletes in experimental group. The first phase of the study involved teaching the PST practices which was
conducted for all the members of the group. The second phase of the teaching was designed for acquiring the
skills and the third phase of teaching was devoted to practicing the skills. Unlike the first phase, the second and
third phases were conducted individually where the subjects of experimental group underwent psychological
practices for 8 weeks (Sheard and et al., 2006), 2 sessions a week for a total of 15 sessions. Each session took 30
minutes and consisted of psychological practices including practice package of goal setting, relaxation,
visualization and self-talk (Khanjari, 1389). These sessions were designated for Psychological Skills Training
(PST) as psychological intervention. Once these 15 sessions were completed, both the experimental group and
the control group which hadn’t received any PST program, underwent another SMTQ post-test based on the pre-
test.
The data analysis was performed through statistical methods in two descriptive and inferential levels as
well as statistical tests based on the data scale and SPSS statistical software. Firstly, central tendency and
standard deviation were used as descriptive indexes to examine descriptive and structural condition of the
subjects. In the next step, we used Kolmogorov–Smirnovtest to examine the normality of data distribution for
using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical test. Also, an independent T-test was used to
determine the effect of a Psychological Skills Training program on mental toughness and its subscales
(confidence, constancy, control) among skillful female volleyball players (in two experimental and control
group). For all hypotheses, a meaningful level of alpha (0.05) was considered.
IV. RESULTS
The average value, standard deviation and the number of individuals are reported in table 1 with respect to the
subjects and in table 2 and table 3 with respect to the groups.
Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the subjects
Index
Subjects
Number Age (year) Height (cm) Weight (kg)
History of activity in
volleyball
Experiment
group
11
individuals
14/2±89/21 86/5±20/176 65/3±34/63 68/1 ± 27/9
Control group 11
individuals
23/2±03/22 47/4±78/175 82/3±19/64 33/1 ± 87/8
The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female ..
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
4 | Page
Table 2. Descriptive statistical parameters for study variables of experimental group (Volleyball players of
Shahrdari team)
Statistical parameter
Variable
steps mean s.d Mean.pre – Mean.post
Confidence
Pre-test 2576/3 288/0
4545/0
Post-test 7121/3 184/0
Constancy
Pre-test 3409/3 257/0
4545/0
Post-test 7955/3 151/0
Control
Pre-test 7045/2 445/0
75/0
Post-test 4545/3 35/0
Mental toughness
Pre-test 1234/3 241/0
539/0
Post-test 6623/3 181/0
Table 3. Descriptive statistical parameters for study variables of control group (Volleyball players of
BankeRefah team)
Statistical parameter
Variable
steps mean s.d Mean.post – Mean.pre
Confidence
Pre-test 0455/3 259/0
0152/0
Post-test 0606/3 201/0
Constancy
Pre-test 2955/3 313/0
0227/0
Post-test 3182/3 226/0
Control
Pre-test 5682/2 549/0
1818/0
Post-test 75/2 622/0
Mental toughness
Pre-test 9805/2 263/0
0649/0
Post-test 0455/3 262/0
Table 4. The results of Kolmogorov–Smirnovtest that show the normality of the data.
Table 4-4. The results of Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) Test
Statistical
parameter
Variable
Pre-test
Post-test
sig z sig z
Confidence 304/0 969/0 495/0 831/0
Constancy 185/0 091/1 77/0 101/1
Control
88/0 588/0 36/0 924/0
Mental
toughness
79/0 652/0 801/0 644/0
P≤0/05
Table 5 shows the resultsof independent T-test. These data are used for examining the effect of a Psychological
Skills Training program on mental toughness and its subscales (confidence, constancy and control) among
skillful female volleyball players (in two experimental and control group).
Table 5. The results of a Psychological Skills Training program designated for skillful female volleyball players
Statistical index
Variable Group
Mean
(post –pre)
S.D
(post –pre)
Test levenes - testt
F Sig t d.f Sig
Confidence
Experimental 4545/0 184/0
13/0 722/0 668/4 20 001/0Control 0152/0 252/0
Constancy
Experimental 4545/0 151/0
074/0 788/0 197/6 20 001/0Control 0227/0 175/0
Control
Experimental 75/0 296/0
145/0 707/0 858/3 20 001/0Control 1818/0 389/0
Mental toughness
Experimental 539/0 137/0
013/0 909/0 003/8 20 001/0Control 0649/0 141/0
The obtained results indicated that volleyball players who participated in Psychological Skills Training
program earned meaningfully higher scores in mental toughness variable as well as all subscales. Also, there
was not any statistically significant difference at the beginning of the research between these two groups and
this meaningful difference was observed in the Post-test. So, it can be concluded that a Psychological Skills
Training program has a meaningful effect on mental toughness of skillful female volleyball players.
The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female ..
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
5 | Page
V. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results of the study shows that the confidence level of the subjects of the experimental group has
meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices compared to that of the control group subjects. The results
obtained through this study is in agreementwith the study conducted by Sheard and et al. (2006), Gucciardi and
et al., Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali (2012),
Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012). The result of this study is also inconsistent with the results obtained
by Clough and et al. (2002), who defined mental toughness as a trait quality. Thus, it can be concluded that
mental toughness is not attributable to any heritable factor, rather its changeabilityaspect can be utilized by
taking environmental conditions into consideration to increase the performance of athletes.
The results obtained in the study indicated that the constancy level among the subjects of experimental
group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices compared to control group. These results is
consistent with the results obtained by Sheard and Golby (2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog
(2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali (2012), Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012), while
it is inconsistent with the researches conducted by Clough and et al. (2002).
The result of the study indicated that the control level among the subjects of the control group has
meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices. Consistent and inconsistent researches are similar to those
of the first and second hypotheses. In other words, it is consistent with the results obtained by Sheard and Golby
(2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali
(2012), Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012), while it is inconsistent with what Clough and et al. (2002)
has proposed as the results of their studies.
The results of the study indicated that the overall mental toughness among the subjects of the control
group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices. These results are consistent with the results
obtained by Sheard and Golby (2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Wineberg and et al.
(2009), Kadik and Rali (2012), Dirska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012) and are inconsistent with the results
of the study conducted by Clough and et al. (2002).
Based on the results, it can be concluded that the present study supports the definition proposed by
Jones (2002), which is commonly referred to in most mental toughness literature. According to the definition
proposed by Jones, mental toughness is a heritable or developed characteristic which enhance the performance
of athlete compared to that of his/her opponent. So, in the second part of this definition, mental toughness is
considered as a quality which can be developed. Hence, the results of the present study indicate that the mental
toughness of individuals can be developed and improved.The results obtained through thisstudyare inconsistent
with those obtained by Clough and et al. (2002), because they have considered mental toughness as atraitquality
which can not be developed and improved. Whereas, the present study shows that mental toughness will be
enhanced, if athletes use and practice mental skills package.
Mental toughness is affected by many factors. Thus, this study has significantly mitigated the debate of
whether mental toughness is heritable or acquirable? Accordingly, it can be proposed that heritable factors may
have higher contribution in the mental toughness among some individuals compared to other individuals. But,
athletes can somewhat develop this important psychological skill by making presence in competitive
environments, hard exercises as well as using mental skills techniques such as psychological practices.
Only the hypotheses made about the main factors were meaningful. However, based on what have been
proposed, it can be concluded that there is a meaningful difference between the mental toughness of the control
group and the experimental group. Also, the subjects of the experimental group have shown meaningful increase
in mental toughness and overall mental toughness subscales after Psychological Training Skills (PST). It should
be noted that the way the Psychological Skills Training (PST) program is implemented considerably influences
the results of the research. Also, various factors such as the time chosen for implementing these practices and
the length of each session, age, the way couch or sport psychologist behave with the subjects, the activity level
and the nature of the sport are all influential factors in this kind of research. In summary, mental toughness is
affected by various variables and more researches are needed in this area to discover basic mechanisms for
developing mental toughness. As a result, mental toughness is affected by various psychological factors
including PST. The results obtained in this research can be used by individuals, sport couches and sport
psychologists to increase mental toughness. Also, athletes can use the results to develop their psychological
skills just as they do with their physical skills.
REFERENCES
[1]. Jafari,Akram. (1386Shamsi). “Comparison of some psychological skills of superior and non-superior female taekwondoathletes”,
Olympic Quarterly, 37, 113- 123
[2]. Khanjari, Yaser (1389Shamsi). “The effects of a Psychological Skills Training (PST) program on selected mental skills and the
performance of adolescent female taekwondoathletes of Iran national team”. Master’sthesis. Department of Physical Education,
Tehran University, Iran.
The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female ..
*Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1
6 | Page
[3]. SanatiMonfared, Shamsi (1385Shamsi). “Validating OMSAT-3 questionnaire and examining the effect of a mental preparedness
program on the level of mental skills of a selected group of athletes who has participated in Doha Asian Games 2006”. Research
plan of Psychology Center, Olympic National Academy.
[4]. Kashani, Vali elah. Farrokhi, Ahmad. Motesharrei, Ebrahim (1390Shamsi). “Comparision of mental toughness of female and male
athletes in contact and non-contact sports in different skill levels.” Second National Conference on Motor Behavior and Sport
Psychology, Phsycial training and Sport Sciences Research Center.
[5]. Vaez Mousavi, SeyyedMohammad Kazem, Fathelah (1386Shamsi). “Sport psychology.”SamtPublications. First printing.
[6]. Bull, S. J., Shambrook, C. J., James, W., & Brooks, J. E. (2005). “Towards an understanding of mental toughness in elite English
cricketers.” Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17, 209-227.
[7]. Caddick, nick., &ryall, e,. (2012) “the social construction of mental toughness – a fascistoid ideology?” Journal of the philosophy of
sport, 39.
[8]. Clough, P., Earle, k., & Sewell, D. (2002). “Mental toughness: the concept and its measurement. In I. Cockerill (Ed)., solution in
sport psychology (pp. 32-45).” London: Thomson
[9]. Chang, Y.k, Chi, Lin,.& Huang, C.H. (2012). Mental toughness in sport: a review and prospectInternational. Journal of Sport and
Exercise Psychology. 10, 79–92.
[10]. Connaughton, D., Wadey, R., Hanton, S., & Jones, G. (2008). “The development and maintenance of mental toughness: Perceptions
of elite performers.” Journal of Sport Sciences, 26 (1), 83-95.
[11]. Crust, L. (2007). “Mental Toughness in Sport: A Review.” International journal of sport and exercise psychology 5, 270-290.
[12]. Crust,l., & Clough, P.J. (2011) “Developing mental toughness:from research to practicejournal of sport psychology in action”. 2,
21–32.
[13]. Crust, Lee and Azadi, Kayvon (2010).“Mental toughness and athletes’ use of psychological strategies. European Journal of Sport
Science , 10 (1). pp. 43-51.” ISSN 1746-1391.
[14]. Driska, A. P. (2012)“Elite Swimming Coaches’ Perceptions of Mental Toughness. The Sport Psychologist,” 26, 186-206.
[15]. Fournier, J. H C. Calmels, N. Durand-Bush, J. H. Salmela (2005). "Effects of Season-Long PST Program on Gymnastic
Performance & on Psychological Skill Development.” IJSEP. 3, 59-77.
[16]. Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., &Dimmock, J. A. (2008). “Towards an understanding of mental toughness in Australian football.”
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 20, 261–281.
[17]. Jones, G., Hanton, S., &Connaughton, D. (2002). “What is this thing called mental toughness? An investigation of elite sport
performers.” Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14, 205-218.
[18]. Kuehl, K., Kuehl, J.,&Tefertiller, c. (2005). Mental toughness: “A champions state of mind.” Chicago., IL: Ivan R. Dee.
[19]. Loehr, J. E. (1995). “The new mental toughness training for sports.” New York: Plume.
[20]. Middleton, S. C., Marsh, H. W., Martin, A. J. , Richards, G. E. , & Perry, C. (2004). “Discovering mental toughness: A qualitative
study of mental toughness in elite athletes.” Self Research Centre B.
[21]. Nicholls, A. R, Polman, C. J & Holt, N. L, (2008), “The effects of individualized imagery interventions on Golf performance and
flow state: Athetic-Insight.”Annual Conference, Berlin. Available.
[22]. Sheard. M, Golby. J, and Wersch. A. (2009). “Progress Toward Construct Validation of the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire
(SMTQ).” European Journal of Psychological Assessment; 3,186–193
[23]. Sheard,Michael&Golby,jim (2006). "Effect of a psychological skills training program on swimming performance and positive
psychological development". International Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 4.
[24]. Weinberg Robert S., Daniel Gould (2007). “Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology.” Fourth Edition. Human Kinetics
Publisher.
[25]. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2010). “Foundations of sport and exercise psychology.” Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
[26]. Weinberg,R., Butt, J.,
[27]. Culp,B,.(20I1)“Coaches'viewsofmentaltoughnessandhowitisbuilt.” International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.9, 156 -
17.
[28]. Weinberg, R. S. & J. Williams (2001). "Integrating and implementing a psychological skills training program"
[29]. j. Williams (Ed), “Applied sport psychology: personal grows to peak performance.” 4, 347-377.

More Related Content

What's hot

Viva voce 19.1.2012
Viva voce 19.1.2012Viva voce 19.1.2012
Viva voce 19.1.2012Samsu Deen
 
Development and validation of psychic energy
Development and validation of psychic energyDevelopment and validation of psychic energy
Development and validation of psychic energyMalika Sharma
 
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise The Psychology of Sport & Exercise
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise PsychFutures
 
Burnout and overtraining presentation
Burnout and overtraining presentationBurnout and overtraining presentation
Burnout and overtraining presentationMatthew Davis
 
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic Performance
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic PerformanceCrimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic Performance
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic PerformanceCrimsonpublishers-Sportsmedicine
 
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for Athletes
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for AthletesCognitive Training: The Final Frontier for Athletes
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for AthletesStig-Arne Kristoffersen
 
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College Athletes
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College AthletesSport Team Culture of Malaysian College Athletes
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College AthletesIOSR Journals
 
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...The Journal of Social Sciences Research
 
Scp final presentation
Scp final presentationScp final presentation
Scp final presentationNicola Benson
 
SCP Presentation. base
SCP Presentation. baseSCP Presentation. base
SCP Presentation. baseNicola Benson
 
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...Charlie Bannon
 
Jasmine student athlete mental health portfolio-23_july_jm
Jasmine student athlete mental health   portfolio-23_july_jmJasmine student athlete mental health   portfolio-23_july_jm
Jasmine student athlete mental health portfolio-23_july_jmJasmineMiller23
 
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in Sport
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in SportCognitive Tools of Preparation in Sport
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in SportSteven Warren
 
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...Sports Journal
 
FW275 Athletic Training
FW275 Athletic TrainingFW275 Athletic Training
FW275 Athletic TrainingMatt Sanders
 
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...Erick Schlimmer
 

What's hot (20)

Viva voce 19.1.2012
Viva voce 19.1.2012Viva voce 19.1.2012
Viva voce 19.1.2012
 
pauldueckthesis
pauldueckthesispauldueckthesis
pauldueckthesis
 
FW279 Well Being
FW279 Well BeingFW279 Well Being
FW279 Well Being
 
Development and validation of psychic energy
Development and validation of psychic energyDevelopment and validation of psychic energy
Development and validation of psychic energy
 
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise The Psychology of Sport & Exercise
The Psychology of Sport & Exercise
 
Burnout and overtraining presentation
Burnout and overtraining presentationBurnout and overtraining presentation
Burnout and overtraining presentation
 
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic Performance
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic PerformanceCrimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic Performance
Crimson Publishers-Effects of Anxiety on Athletic Performance
 
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for Athletes
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for AthletesCognitive Training: The Final Frontier for Athletes
Cognitive Training: The Final Frontier for Athletes
 
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College Athletes
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College AthletesSport Team Culture of Malaysian College Athletes
Sport Team Culture of Malaysian College Athletes
 
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...
The Relationship between Extrinsic Motivation and the Physical Activity Level...
 
Scp final presentation
Scp final presentationScp final presentation
Scp final presentation
 
SCP Presentation. base
SCP Presentation. baseSCP Presentation. base
SCP Presentation. base
 
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...
The Impact of Martial Arts on Promoting Mental Health Recovery and on Promoti...
 
Jasmine student athlete mental health portfolio-23_july_jm
Jasmine student athlete mental health   portfolio-23_july_jmJasmine student athlete mental health   portfolio-23_july_jm
Jasmine student athlete mental health portfolio-23_july_jm
 
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in Sport
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in SportCognitive Tools of Preparation in Sport
Cognitive Tools of Preparation in Sport
 
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...
Effects physical exercises and minor games on speed in mild mentally challeng...
 
FW279 Feedback
FW279 FeedbackFW279 Feedback
FW279 Feedback
 
FW275 Athletic Training
FW275 Athletic TrainingFW275 Athletic Training
FW275 Athletic Training
 
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...
Addressing psychiatric disorder among student-athletes: Challenges facing men...
 
Kinesiology presentation
Kinesiology presentationKinesiology presentation
Kinesiology presentation
 

Similar to The Effects of Psychological Skills Training on Mental Toughness in Female Volleyball Players

Scope of sport psychology
Scope of sport psychologyScope of sport psychology
Scope of sport psychologydryadav1300
 
Adolescent engagement versus dropout
Adolescent engagement versus dropoutAdolescent engagement versus dropout
Adolescent engagement versus dropoutJonny McMurtry
 
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...Maciej Behnke
 
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)OllieShoresna
 
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com .docx
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com  .docxAvailable online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com  .docx
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com .docxrock73
 
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docx
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docxPsychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docx
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docxdenneymargareta
 
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and ValidationThe Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and ValidationMaciej Behnke
 
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdf
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdfBlue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdf
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdfYvonneGajudo
 
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite players
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite playersA comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite players
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite playersSports Journal
 
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer Players
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer PlayersA Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer Players
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer PlayersIOSR Journals
 
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...IOSR Journals
 
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...Carl Page
 
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer players
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer playersExecutive functions predict the success of top-soccer players
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer playersSportNetworking
 
TD - Synthesis Final Copy
TD - Synthesis Final CopyTD - Synthesis Final Copy
TD - Synthesis Final CopyTiye Davis
 
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...amyrose1987
 
1 sports achievement motivation 1-5
1 sports achievement motivation 1-51 sports achievement motivation 1-5
1 sports achievement motivation 1-5Alexander Decker
 
Project Manuscript Final
Project Manuscript FinalProject Manuscript Final
Project Manuscript FinalAsher Phythian
 
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...Malika Sharma
 
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptx
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptxPsychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptx
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptxRoniePaltad
 
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTAD
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTADSTMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTAD
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTADDoug Eng
 

Similar to The Effects of Psychological Skills Training on Mental Toughness in Female Volleyball Players (20)

Scope of sport psychology
Scope of sport psychologyScope of sport psychology
Scope of sport psychology
 
Adolescent engagement versus dropout
Adolescent engagement versus dropoutAdolescent engagement versus dropout
Adolescent engagement versus dropout
 
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Sport Mental Training Q...
 
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)
Current Directions in PsychologicalScience2014, Vol. 23(6)
 
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com .docx
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com  .docxAvailable online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com  .docx
Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com .docx
 
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docx
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docxPsychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docx
Psychological techniques can be used to help people perform more.docx
 
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and ValidationThe Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation
The Sport Mental Training Questionnaire: Development and Validation
 
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdf
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdfBlue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdf
Blue-Illustrated-Sport-Activity-Presentation-1.pdf
 
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite players
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite playersA comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite players
A comparative study of problem solving skills in elite and sub-elite players
 
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer Players
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer PlayersA Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer Players
A Study of Competitive Sport Anxiety in Young Soccer Players
 
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...
Comparison of Psychological Variables within different positions of players o...
 
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...
A Mental Skills Training Programme/Psychological Skills Training (PST) To Inc...
 
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer players
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer playersExecutive functions predict the success of top-soccer players
Executive functions predict the success of top-soccer players
 
TD - Synthesis Final Copy
TD - Synthesis Final CopyTD - Synthesis Final Copy
TD - Synthesis Final Copy
 
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...
How does coaching style affect athlete pro-social or antisocial behaviour wit...
 
1 sports achievement motivation 1-5
1 sports achievement motivation 1-51 sports achievement motivation 1-5
1 sports achievement motivation 1-5
 
Project Manuscript Final
Project Manuscript FinalProject Manuscript Final
Project Manuscript Final
 
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...
A comparative study on selective psychological variables among the team game ...
 
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptx
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptxPsychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptx
Psychological-Interventions-in-Sports-and-Exercise.pptx
 
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTAD
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTADSTMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTAD
STMS MENTAL SKILLS: Modeling Periodization & LTAD
 

More from QUESTJOURNAL

On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...
On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...
On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...QUESTJOURNAL
 
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation Dynamics
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation DynamicsSteganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation Dynamics
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation DynamicsQUESTJOURNAL
 
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software Protection
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software ProtectionSimple Obfuscation Tool for Software Protection
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software ProtectionQUESTJOURNAL
 
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...QUESTJOURNAL
 
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav Ghosh
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav GhoshThe Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav Ghosh
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav GhoshQUESTJOURNAL
 
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s Poems
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s PoemsHarmony in Philip Larkin’s Poems
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s PoemsQUESTJOURNAL
 
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...QUESTJOURNAL
 
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...QUESTJOURNAL
 
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe VargheseQUESTJOURNAL
 
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...QUESTJOURNAL
 
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...QUESTJOURNAL
 

More from QUESTJOURNAL (20)

On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...
On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...
On the Use of the Causal Analysis in Small Type Fit Indices of Adult Mathemat...
 
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...
The Sov’reign Shrine of Veiled Melancholy- The Shadow of Consumption on La Be...
 
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...
Recruitment Practices And Staff Performance In Public Universities: A Case St...
 
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...
Pesse Na Siri’ Budgetary System: A Historiography Study of Luwu Kingdom in Is...
 
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...
Fabrication of Complete Dentures for A Patient with Resorbed Mandibular Anter...
 
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation Dynamics
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation DynamicsSteganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation Dynamics
Steganographic Technique Using Instant Messaging Conversation Dynamics
 
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software Protection
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software ProtectionSimple Obfuscation Tool for Software Protection
Simple Obfuscation Tool for Software Protection
 
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...
Block Hybrid Method for the Solution of General Second Order Ordinary Differe...
 
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...
Modeling – Based Instructional Strategy for Enhancing Problem Solving Ability...
 
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Arabic LanguageTeaching Methods in Indones...
 
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav Ghosh
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav GhoshThe Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav Ghosh
The Teller & The Tales: A Study of The Novels of Amitav Ghosh
 
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s Poems
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s PoemsHarmony in Philip Larkin’s Poems
Harmony in Philip Larkin’s Poems
 
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...
The Influence of Religiosity on Marital Satisfaction and Stability AmongChris...
 
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...
The SA0 Group Reservoir ’S Compositive Evaluation In The Central Developing P...
 
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...
Down the Purgatory of Memories:The Pain of Remembering in M alayalam Naxal Ci...
 
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...
Professional Competences: An Integrative Approach for Defining The Training C...
 
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
 
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese
“To the Truthful Death, From the Shining Life” By Joe Varghese
 
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...
Alternative dispute resolution and civil litigation barriers to access to jus...
 
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...
Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms in Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication...
 

Recently uploaded

Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfUnraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfAlex Barbosa Coqueiro
 
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024Stephanie Beckett
 
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024BookNet Canada
 
Training state-of-the-art general text embedding
Training state-of-the-art general text embeddingTraining state-of-the-art general text embedding
Training state-of-the-art general text embeddingZilliz
 
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)Wonjun Hwang
 
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 Presentation
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 PresentationMy Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 Presentation
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 PresentationRidwan Fadjar
 
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024Lorenzo Miniero
 
AI as an Interface for Commercial Buildings
AI as an Interface for Commercial BuildingsAI as an Interface for Commercial Buildings
AI as an Interface for Commercial BuildingsMemoori
 
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQL
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQLDeveloper Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQL
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQLScyllaDB
 
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdf
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdfThe Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdf
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdfSeasiaInfotech2
 
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdf
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdfSearch Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdf
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdfRankYa
 
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmatics
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmaticsKotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmatics
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmaticscarlostorres15106
 
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Commit University
 
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easy
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easyCommit 2024 - Secret Management made easy
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easyAlfredo García Lavilla
 
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machine
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machineInstall Stable Diffusion in windows machine
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machinePadma Pradeep
 
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenDevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenHervé Boutemy
 
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks..."LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...Fwdays
 
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024BookNet Canada
 
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptx
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptxArtificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptx
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptxhariprasad279825
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfUnraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
 
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024
What's New in Teams Calling, Meetings and Devices March 2024
 
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
Transcript: New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
 
Training state-of-the-art general text embedding
Training state-of-the-art general text embeddingTraining state-of-the-art general text embedding
Training state-of-the-art general text embedding
 
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)
Bun (KitWorks Team Study 노별마루 발표 2024.4.22)
 
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 Presentation
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 PresentationMy Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 Presentation
My Hashitalk Indonesia April 2024 Presentation
 
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
 
AI as an Interface for Commercial Buildings
AI as an Interface for Commercial BuildingsAI as an Interface for Commercial Buildings
AI as an Interface for Commercial Buildings
 
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special EditionDMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
 
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQL
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQLDeveloper Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQL
Developer Data Modeling Mistakes: From Postgres to NoSQL
 
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdf
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdfThe Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdf
The Future of Software Development - Devin AI Innovative Approach.pdf
 
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdf
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdfSearch Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdf
Search Engine Optimization SEO PDF for 2024.pdf
 
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmatics
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmaticsKotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmatics
Kotlin Multiplatform & Compose Multiplatform - Starter kit for pragmatics
 
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
 
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easy
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easyCommit 2024 - Secret Management made easy
Commit 2024 - Secret Management made easy
 
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machine
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machineInstall Stable Diffusion in windows machine
Install Stable Diffusion in windows machine
 
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenDevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
 
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks..."LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...
"LLMs for Python Engineers: Advanced Data Analysis and Semantic Kernel",Oleks...
 
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
 
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptx
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptxArtificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptx
Artificial intelligence in cctv survelliance.pptx
 

The Effects of Psychological Skills Training on Mental Toughness in Female Volleyball Players

  • 1. Quest Journals Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science Volume 5 ~ Issue 6 (2017) pp.: 01-06 ISSN(Online) : 2321-9467 www.questjournals.org *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 1 | Page Department of physical education university of Tehran, Department of physical education university of Tehran Research Paper The Effects of a Psychological Skills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female Volleyball Players Elham Dehghani1 , Niloofar Ebrahimi2 Department of physical education university of Tehran,Department of physical education university of Tehran Received 08 May, 2017; Accepted 08 June, 2017 © The author(s) 2017. Published with open access at www.questjournals.org ABSTRACT: The present study aims to investigate the effects of a Psychological Skills Training(PST) program on mental toughness of skillful female volleyball players. The statistical population used in the study consists of two league 1 female teams in Tehran province, Iran with total members of 22 individuals. From them, 11 individuals were selected randomly for each control group and experimental group. The data related to mental toughness were collected using Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire of Sheard and Golby (2009). The subjectsof the experimental group performed psychological practices for 8 weeks, 2 sessionsa week or total of 15 sessions such that each session included 30 minutes of the program. No program for psychological skills was delivered to control group. After the 15th session, an after-test was taken through SMTQ from experimental group based on the pre-test. Statistical methods in two descriptive and inferential levels and Kolmogorov– Smirnov statistical tests and T-test were used for analyzing data. The obtained results indicated that volleyball players who participated in Psychological Skills Training program have earned meaningfully higher scores in all subscales compared to the control group. Finally, it can be concluded that a course on Psychological Skills training has a meaningful effect on mental toughness of female volleyball players. KEYWORDS: Psychological Skills Training (PST), mental toughness, female skillfulvolleyball players I. INTRODUCTION Most athletes, couches and even sport fans haveexperienced matches wherethe lack of psychological preparedness impeded the success of the athlete or the team, despite their physical and technical preparedness. Lack of motivation and concentration, low self-confidence, stress and anxiety may prevent the athlete from getting the desirable performance. Often, what prevent anathlete from getting success or what causes other athlete to get the peak of success has nothing to do with outside factors, rather it should be sought in inner and mental world of athletes. Accordingly, performance and technical levels as well as success in many areasare obtainablefor the athlete through Psychological Skills Training (Vaez Mousavi and Mosayyebi, 1386Shamsi). Recently, the concept of mental toughness has attracted the attention of many sport psychologists and they know how psychological factors perpetuatethe success of athlete in sport (Gucciardi and et al., 2008). Jones et al. has defined mental toughness as “having heritable and developed (acquirable) psychological abilities which cause the athlete to 1) generally confronts to his/her opponents more effective than them, event through he/she must meet someperformance requirements, regardless of the performance of his/her opponents 2)especially enjoys better constancy and stability and is more determined, concentrated and self-confident to handle high stress situations compared to his/her opponents.” People with mental-toughness tend to be interested in social activities, since they are able to maintain their calmness and take risk, they are active in many situations and have less anxiety compared. Theyare not affected by the situation and the competition in which they are involved (Clough et al., 2002). Loehr(1985) conducted one of the earliest studies on mental toughness. The researcher emphasized that as couches and athletes believe, at least 50 percent of success is due to psychological factors resulted from mental toughness. Sport psychologists have always stated mental toughness as one of the most important characteristics of couches, athletes and professional sport (Nichols, 2008).
  • 2. The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female .. *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 2 | Page Psychological Skills Training (PST) such as concentration, setting the excitement levels, increasing self- confidence and maintaining the motivation requires regular practicing of skills (Weinberg and Gould, 2010). According to the definition proposed by Weinberg and Gould (2007), Psychological Skills Training (PST) involves regular, continuous and stable practicing of psychological and mental skills to increase performance, increase pleasure or attain higher level of satisfaction or happiness. The methods and techniques which are considered as standard components of PST are mainly obtained from main psychological resources (Weinberg and Gould, 2010). Well-planned PST programs provide an opportunity for personal development of youth athletes in competitive sport and extend mental skills which are used by athletes, thereby facilitate their growth in other walks of their lives (Sheard and Golby, 2006). A number of researchers have reviewed the studies that have been conducted to examine mental toughness through qualitative methods (Crust and Azadi, 2010). For example, Golby and Sheard (2009) applied psychological interventions as a means to evaluate mental toughness. Clough et al. (2002) has used the psychological theory as the basis of their work and has defined mental toughness as a trait quality (Crust and Azadi, 2010). Boule and et al. (2005) conducted two qualitative studies on skillfulathletes. The obtained results suggested that environmental factors including motivating situations, family influences, education and the amount an individual is affected by his/her environment play a vital role in developing mental toughness. The results obtained by Kenoten and et al. (2008) indicated that Psychological Skills Training (PST) plays an external role and this is especially a good subject to study skillful individuals with high level of mental toughness, who has shown qualities such as goal-setting, self-talk, visualization, coping strategies for competitive anxiety (Crust and Azadi, 2010). The study of Golby and Sheard (2006) has received support as Mental Skills Training proved to be influential on developing mental toughness. Mental skills are seen as influential on mental toughness, which is considered to be a very valuable quality (Weinberg and Williams, 2006). Middletown and et al. (2004) also suggested that acquaintance or experience may increase mental toughness. There are other evidences indicating that certain skills such as goal setting and self-talk plays an important role on developing psychological strength (Kenoten and et al., 2008). While the effect of environmental factors on developing psychological strength is evident and they have initially received supports, the role of sport psychology interventions including Psychological Skills Training (PST) is less obviously seen (Crust, 2007). A body of researches have been conducted in Iran to show psychological skills profile or compare these skills (SanatiMonfared, 1385 and Jafari, 1386), but there are only very few studies which implemented a Psychological Skills Training programduring athletes preparation stage (Khanjari, 1389). Athletes need to develop mental toughness to cope with challenging opportunities they face and overcome the hardships which impede their success (Kuehl, Kuehl and Tefertiller, 2005). Accordingly, the attention of researchers has been focused on how mental toughness is developed. This is important for sport psychologists working on athletes to increase their performance (Crust and Azadi, 2010). A vast body of literature reported the benefits of the methods pursued in PST program. However, there are only few studies which have tried to measure mental toughness experimentally as an independent special variable. Since the performance and behavior of anathlete is directly affected by his/her own thoughts and psychological preparedness plays a very effective role in today international fields, it seems more researches are needed in this area. If athletes enjoy a high level of mental toughness in their sport domain, is this mindset deliverable to other areas? Sheard and Golby (2006) examined how incrementalenhancing effects of mental toughness can be transferred from one context to different contexts. They showed that high level of mental toughness in the domain of one activity doesn’t necessarily mean high level of mental toughness in the domain of other activities (or other areas). Iranian sport section especially national teams need to undergo PST programs continuously to learn and internalize these skills and increasingly improve sport performance and develop psychological hardship, which has anundeniable role in the success of athletes. During the last two decades, most researches have tried to conceptualize, define and describe the nature of mental toughness in athletes and sport environment (Jones and et al., 2002; Loehr, 1995) and only a few researches have examined how influential interventional factors including the Psychological Skills Training affect and improve mental toughness (Crust, 2007). Thus, the present study seeks to determine whether a Psychological Skills Training (PST) has any influence on mental toughness of elite female volleyball players? II. METHODOLOGY The present study is a semi-experimental pre-test &post-test method. The independent variables of the study includes psychological exercises and rehearsals (goal setting, relaxation, visualization and self- talk).Dependent variables of the study are the components of mental toughness including confidence, constancy and control. The statistical population of the study consists of 22 players from two league 1 female volleyball teams in Tehran province, Iran. The statistical sample was chosen and the subjects were selected in such a way that firstly a list of league 1 female teams was prepared. Then, I selected 2 teams through a random sampling
  • 3. The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female .. *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 3 | Page method.BankeRefah and Shahrdari were two teams selected from this region. Then, one of these teams was placed in the control group (including 11 individuals) and other team was placed in the experimental group (including 11 individuals). Data collection tool The data were collected using Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire proposed by Golby and Sheard (2009). Based on SMTQ which is the only especial tool for evaluating toughness in sport to this date, 3 factors of confidence, constancy and control were considered the key factors of mental toughness. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire were verified completely by Golby and Sheard (2009). They reported Cronbach’ alpha coefficient of confidence, constancy and control subscales to be 0.80, 0.74 and 0.71, respectively. The validity of the questionnaire was also verified through confirmatory and exploratoryfactor analysis (Fournier and et al., 2005). Also, Kashani, Farrokhi and Motesharrei (1390) evaluated the reliability of persian language version of SMTQ questionnaire through examining temporal constancy (response stability) using test-retest method with a two weeksinterval as well as through determining Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). They also evaluatedthe consistency (internal stability) of the questions through Cronbach’ alpha coefficient. The results obtained through this research indicated that intra-class correlation coefficient of subscales varied from 0.78 to 0.85 and Cronbach’ alpha coefficient varied from 0.73 to 0.83 indicating the acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. Also, these researchers used two methods to determine the content validity of the questioner. These methods are Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). They reported CVR of 0.83 and CVI of 0.85 with simplicity criterion, for specificity criterion of 0.87 and clarity criterion of 0.85, respectively. This implies the efficacy of content validity for SMTQ questionnaireto be used ininternal researches (Kashani and et al., 1390). III. EXECUTION METHOD We took measures to ensure that the subject of the study was fully understood by related federation and get their cooperation for our research. Also, the technical team and the couches of the league 1 team (skillful players) were informed about the importance of using psychological practices. Then, two teams were selected randomly, of which one team was considered as the experimental group and other team was considered as the control group for the study.Firstly, the mental toughness of the athletes was evaluated using Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). In the next step, the researcher taught PST psychological practices to the athletes in experimental group. The first phase of the study involved teaching the PST practices which was conducted for all the members of the group. The second phase of the teaching was designed for acquiring the skills and the third phase of teaching was devoted to practicing the skills. Unlike the first phase, the second and third phases were conducted individually where the subjects of experimental group underwent psychological practices for 8 weeks (Sheard and et al., 2006), 2 sessions a week for a total of 15 sessions. Each session took 30 minutes and consisted of psychological practices including practice package of goal setting, relaxation, visualization and self-talk (Khanjari, 1389). These sessions were designated for Psychological Skills Training (PST) as psychological intervention. Once these 15 sessions were completed, both the experimental group and the control group which hadn’t received any PST program, underwent another SMTQ post-test based on the pre- test. The data analysis was performed through statistical methods in two descriptive and inferential levels as well as statistical tests based on the data scale and SPSS statistical software. Firstly, central tendency and standard deviation were used as descriptive indexes to examine descriptive and structural condition of the subjects. In the next step, we used Kolmogorov–Smirnovtest to examine the normality of data distribution for using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical test. Also, an independent T-test was used to determine the effect of a Psychological Skills Training program on mental toughness and its subscales (confidence, constancy, control) among skillful female volleyball players (in two experimental and control group). For all hypotheses, a meaningful level of alpha (0.05) was considered. IV. RESULTS The average value, standard deviation and the number of individuals are reported in table 1 with respect to the subjects and in table 2 and table 3 with respect to the groups. Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the subjects Index Subjects Number Age (year) Height (cm) Weight (kg) History of activity in volleyball Experiment group 11 individuals 14/2±89/21 86/5±20/176 65/3±34/63 68/1 ± 27/9 Control group 11 individuals 23/2±03/22 47/4±78/175 82/3±19/64 33/1 ± 87/8
  • 4. The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female .. *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 4 | Page Table 2. Descriptive statistical parameters for study variables of experimental group (Volleyball players of Shahrdari team) Statistical parameter Variable steps mean s.d Mean.pre – Mean.post Confidence Pre-test 2576/3 288/0 4545/0 Post-test 7121/3 184/0 Constancy Pre-test 3409/3 257/0 4545/0 Post-test 7955/3 151/0 Control Pre-test 7045/2 445/0 75/0 Post-test 4545/3 35/0 Mental toughness Pre-test 1234/3 241/0 539/0 Post-test 6623/3 181/0 Table 3. Descriptive statistical parameters for study variables of control group (Volleyball players of BankeRefah team) Statistical parameter Variable steps mean s.d Mean.post – Mean.pre Confidence Pre-test 0455/3 259/0 0152/0 Post-test 0606/3 201/0 Constancy Pre-test 2955/3 313/0 0227/0 Post-test 3182/3 226/0 Control Pre-test 5682/2 549/0 1818/0 Post-test 75/2 622/0 Mental toughness Pre-test 9805/2 263/0 0649/0 Post-test 0455/3 262/0 Table 4. The results of Kolmogorov–Smirnovtest that show the normality of the data. Table 4-4. The results of Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) Test Statistical parameter Variable Pre-test Post-test sig z sig z Confidence 304/0 969/0 495/0 831/0 Constancy 185/0 091/1 77/0 101/1 Control 88/0 588/0 36/0 924/0 Mental toughness 79/0 652/0 801/0 644/0 P≤0/05 Table 5 shows the resultsof independent T-test. These data are used for examining the effect of a Psychological Skills Training program on mental toughness and its subscales (confidence, constancy and control) among skillful female volleyball players (in two experimental and control group). Table 5. The results of a Psychological Skills Training program designated for skillful female volleyball players Statistical index Variable Group Mean (post –pre) S.D (post –pre) Test levenes - testt F Sig t d.f Sig Confidence Experimental 4545/0 184/0 13/0 722/0 668/4 20 001/0Control 0152/0 252/0 Constancy Experimental 4545/0 151/0 074/0 788/0 197/6 20 001/0Control 0227/0 175/0 Control Experimental 75/0 296/0 145/0 707/0 858/3 20 001/0Control 1818/0 389/0 Mental toughness Experimental 539/0 137/0 013/0 909/0 003/8 20 001/0Control 0649/0 141/0 The obtained results indicated that volleyball players who participated in Psychological Skills Training program earned meaningfully higher scores in mental toughness variable as well as all subscales. Also, there was not any statistically significant difference at the beginning of the research between these two groups and this meaningful difference was observed in the Post-test. So, it can be concluded that a Psychological Skills Training program has a meaningful effect on mental toughness of skillful female volleyball players.
  • 5. The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female .. *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 5 | Page V. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results of the study shows that the confidence level of the subjects of the experimental group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices compared to that of the control group subjects. The results obtained through this study is in agreementwith the study conducted by Sheard and et al. (2006), Gucciardi and et al., Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali (2012), Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012). The result of this study is also inconsistent with the results obtained by Clough and et al. (2002), who defined mental toughness as a trait quality. Thus, it can be concluded that mental toughness is not attributable to any heritable factor, rather its changeabilityaspect can be utilized by taking environmental conditions into consideration to increase the performance of athletes. The results obtained in the study indicated that the constancy level among the subjects of experimental group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices compared to control group. These results is consistent with the results obtained by Sheard and Golby (2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali (2012), Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012), while it is inconsistent with the researches conducted by Clough and et al. (2002). The result of the study indicated that the control level among the subjects of the control group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices. Consistent and inconsistent researches are similar to those of the first and second hypotheses. In other words, it is consistent with the results obtained by Sheard and Golby (2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Weinberg and et al. (2009), Caddick and Rali (2012), Driska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012), while it is inconsistent with what Clough and et al. (2002) has proposed as the results of their studies. The results of the study indicated that the overall mental toughness among the subjects of the control group has meaningfully increased after teaching PST practices. These results are consistent with the results obtained by Sheard and Golby (2006) and Crust and Azadi (2010), Crust and Clog (2011), Wineberg and et al. (2009), Kadik and Rali (2012), Dirska (2012) and Chank and et al. (2012) and are inconsistent with the results of the study conducted by Clough and et al. (2002). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the present study supports the definition proposed by Jones (2002), which is commonly referred to in most mental toughness literature. According to the definition proposed by Jones, mental toughness is a heritable or developed characteristic which enhance the performance of athlete compared to that of his/her opponent. So, in the second part of this definition, mental toughness is considered as a quality which can be developed. Hence, the results of the present study indicate that the mental toughness of individuals can be developed and improved.The results obtained through thisstudyare inconsistent with those obtained by Clough and et al. (2002), because they have considered mental toughness as atraitquality which can not be developed and improved. Whereas, the present study shows that mental toughness will be enhanced, if athletes use and practice mental skills package. Mental toughness is affected by many factors. Thus, this study has significantly mitigated the debate of whether mental toughness is heritable or acquirable? Accordingly, it can be proposed that heritable factors may have higher contribution in the mental toughness among some individuals compared to other individuals. But, athletes can somewhat develop this important psychological skill by making presence in competitive environments, hard exercises as well as using mental skills techniques such as psychological practices. Only the hypotheses made about the main factors were meaningful. However, based on what have been proposed, it can be concluded that there is a meaningful difference between the mental toughness of the control group and the experimental group. Also, the subjects of the experimental group have shown meaningful increase in mental toughness and overall mental toughness subscales after Psychological Training Skills (PST). It should be noted that the way the Psychological Skills Training (PST) program is implemented considerably influences the results of the research. Also, various factors such as the time chosen for implementing these practices and the length of each session, age, the way couch or sport psychologist behave with the subjects, the activity level and the nature of the sport are all influential factors in this kind of research. In summary, mental toughness is affected by various variables and more researches are needed in this area to discover basic mechanisms for developing mental toughness. As a result, mental toughness is affected by various psychological factors including PST. The results obtained in this research can be used by individuals, sport couches and sport psychologists to increase mental toughness. Also, athletes can use the results to develop their psychological skills just as they do with their physical skills. REFERENCES [1]. Jafari,Akram. (1386Shamsi). “Comparison of some psychological skills of superior and non-superior female taekwondoathletes”, Olympic Quarterly, 37, 113- 123 [2]. Khanjari, Yaser (1389Shamsi). “The effects of a Psychological Skills Training (PST) program on selected mental skills and the performance of adolescent female taekwondoathletes of Iran national team”. Master’sthesis. Department of Physical Education, Tehran University, Iran.
  • 6. The Effects of a PsychologicalSkills Training Program on Mental Toughness of Skillful Female .. *Corresponding Author: Elham Dehghani 1 6 | Page [3]. SanatiMonfared, Shamsi (1385Shamsi). “Validating OMSAT-3 questionnaire and examining the effect of a mental preparedness program on the level of mental skills of a selected group of athletes who has participated in Doha Asian Games 2006”. Research plan of Psychology Center, Olympic National Academy. [4]. Kashani, Vali elah. Farrokhi, Ahmad. Motesharrei, Ebrahim (1390Shamsi). “Comparision of mental toughness of female and male athletes in contact and non-contact sports in different skill levels.” Second National Conference on Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Phsycial training and Sport Sciences Research Center. [5]. Vaez Mousavi, SeyyedMohammad Kazem, Fathelah (1386Shamsi). “Sport psychology.”SamtPublications. First printing. [6]. Bull, S. J., Shambrook, C. J., James, W., & Brooks, J. E. (2005). “Towards an understanding of mental toughness in elite English cricketers.” Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17, 209-227. [7]. Caddick, nick., &ryall, e,. (2012) “the social construction of mental toughness – a fascistoid ideology?” Journal of the philosophy of sport, 39. [8]. Clough, P., Earle, k., & Sewell, D. (2002). “Mental toughness: the concept and its measurement. In I. Cockerill (Ed)., solution in sport psychology (pp. 32-45).” London: Thomson [9]. Chang, Y.k, Chi, Lin,.& Huang, C.H. (2012). Mental toughness in sport: a review and prospectInternational. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 10, 79–92. [10]. Connaughton, D., Wadey, R., Hanton, S., & Jones, G. (2008). “The development and maintenance of mental toughness: Perceptions of elite performers.” Journal of Sport Sciences, 26 (1), 83-95. [11]. Crust, L. (2007). “Mental Toughness in Sport: A Review.” International journal of sport and exercise psychology 5, 270-290. [12]. Crust,l., & Clough, P.J. (2011) “Developing mental toughness:from research to practicejournal of sport psychology in action”. 2, 21–32. [13]. Crust, Lee and Azadi, Kayvon (2010).“Mental toughness and athletes’ use of psychological strategies. European Journal of Sport Science , 10 (1). pp. 43-51.” ISSN 1746-1391. [14]. Driska, A. P. (2012)“Elite Swimming Coaches’ Perceptions of Mental Toughness. The Sport Psychologist,” 26, 186-206. [15]. Fournier, J. H C. Calmels, N. Durand-Bush, J. H. Salmela (2005). "Effects of Season-Long PST Program on Gymnastic Performance & on Psychological Skill Development.” IJSEP. 3, 59-77. [16]. Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., &Dimmock, J. A. (2008). “Towards an understanding of mental toughness in Australian football.” Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 20, 261–281. [17]. Jones, G., Hanton, S., &Connaughton, D. (2002). “What is this thing called mental toughness? An investigation of elite sport performers.” Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14, 205-218. [18]. Kuehl, K., Kuehl, J.,&Tefertiller, c. (2005). Mental toughness: “A champions state of mind.” Chicago., IL: Ivan R. Dee. [19]. Loehr, J. E. (1995). “The new mental toughness training for sports.” New York: Plume. [20]. Middleton, S. C., Marsh, H. W., Martin, A. J. , Richards, G. E. , & Perry, C. (2004). “Discovering mental toughness: A qualitative study of mental toughness in elite athletes.” Self Research Centre B. [21]. Nicholls, A. R, Polman, C. J & Holt, N. L, (2008), “The effects of individualized imagery interventions on Golf performance and flow state: Athetic-Insight.”Annual Conference, Berlin. Available. [22]. Sheard. M, Golby. J, and Wersch. A. (2009). “Progress Toward Construct Validation of the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).” European Journal of Psychological Assessment; 3,186–193 [23]. Sheard,Michael&Golby,jim (2006). "Effect of a psychological skills training program on swimming performance and positive psychological development". International Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 4. [24]. Weinberg Robert S., Daniel Gould (2007). “Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology.” Fourth Edition. Human Kinetics Publisher. [25]. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2010). “Foundations of sport and exercise psychology.” Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. [26]. Weinberg,R., Butt, J., [27]. Culp,B,.(20I1)“Coaches'viewsofmentaltoughnessandhowitisbuilt.” International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.9, 156 - 17. [28]. Weinberg, R. S. & J. Williams (2001). "Integrating and implementing a psychological skills training program" [29]. j. Williams (Ed), “Applied sport psychology: personal grows to peak performance.” 4, 347-377.