The relationship between mental toughness and mental health in GAA players
Authors
Gallagher, Lara
Issue Date
2019
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between mental toughness and mental health; depression, anxiety and stress among GAA players. Additional study within the sample included differences in age, gender and level of GAA code played. Participants were a snowball sample of 115 GAA players (Male=65; Female=50) within the age range of 18 to 52 years. Data was collected using an online survey which included Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), Sheard, Golby & Van Wersch (2009); and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), Lovibond & Lovibond (1995). Results revealed that there is a statistically significant negative correlation between mental toughness and mental health of GAA players. Similarly, when the group was compared by age there was also a statistically significant negative correlation with age. However no significant difference was seen between genders or by level of GAA code played. Results warrant further research on mental toughness in GAA players as there is a lack of research in the area.