Exploring mental toughness and anxiety levels across various track and field athletes

Abstract

Sport psychology, crucial in enhancing athletic performance, focuses on psychological factors like mental toughness and anxiety among competitive athletes. This study aimed to investigate differences in mental toughness and anxiety levels among male track and field athletes aged 18-25, including sprinters, middle-distance runners, long-distance runners, throwers, and jumpers. A sample of 150 athletes from inter-college championships in Punjab state was analyzed. Results revealed significant differences in mental toughness among athlete categories, with sprinters exhibiting the highest levels. However, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels. These findings highlight the importance of mental toughness in athletic performance and suggest avenues for tailored psychological interventions to optimize athlete training and success.