Perfectionism and motivation in sport: The mediating role of mental toughness

Richard G. Cowden; Lee Crust; Patricia C. Jackman; Timothy R. Duckett

doi:10.17159/sajs.2019/5271

Authors

Richard G. Cowden 1. Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa 2. Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA 3. Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9027-4253
Lee Crust School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3092-3143
Patricia C. Jackman School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, United Kingdom http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5756-4494
Timothy R. Duckett Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8060-6149

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2019/5271

Keywords:

athlete, competitive, performance, sport, tennis

Abstract

An extensive body of research has been done on the links between perfectionism and motivation, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these psychological characteristics have been underexplored. In this study, we used an integrative modelling approach to examine associations between dimensions of perfectionism (i.e. personal standards [PSP] and concerns over mistakes [CMP]), mental toughness (MT) and motivational orientations (i.e. self-determined motivation [SDM] and non-self-determined motivation [NSDM]). Based on a sample of 318 male (n=218) and female (n=100) tennis players (M_age=17.61, SD_age=2.41), fit indices derived from structural equation modelling supported a partially mediated model. Residual PSP associated positively with MT (β=0.74) and SDM (β=0.40), and negatively with NSDM (β=-0.22). Conversely, residual CMP associated negatively with MT (β=-0.14) and SDM (β=-0.19), and positively with NSDM (β=0.73). Mental toughness was positively associated with SDM (β=0.28), but was unrelated to NSDM (β=0.07). The relationship between residual PSP and SDM was partially mediated by MT (standardised indirect effect: 95% CI=0.19, 0.46). The findings of this study support research linking dimensions of perfectionism with motivational orientations and offer preliminary evidence on the mediating role of MT in the association between these psychological constructs. With emerging research supporting the capacity to develop MT through targeted interventions, the findings are discussed alongside salient implications.

Significance:

Mental toughness partially mediated the association between pure personal standards perfectionism and self-determined motivation.
Particularly among athletes with higher personal standards of perfectionism, more autonomous forms of motivation may be sustained via efforts that seek to develop athletes’ mental toughness.