Comparison of mental toughness and achievement goal orientation among state level chess players in Kerala

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in mental toughness and achievement goal orientation based on gender and playing time format. Two hundred and forty state level chess Players (120 males120 females) completed the Sports mental toughness questionnaire (SMTQ) and the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport. Based on the different playing time format, participants were classified as Classic (n = 80), Rapid Group (n = 80), and Blitz Group (n = 80) based on their preference of playing time format. Results indicated that males scored higher than females on mental toughness. Blitz group scored higher than Classic and Rapid groups on mental toughness. Task orientation was positively related to mental toughness. While coaches should strive to enhance the mental toughness in all of their players, special emphasis should be placed on promoting the mental toughness of female players and Classic players.