Examining the relationship between self-compassion and mental toughness in athletes

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mental toughness and self-compassion levels in athletes. The study included a total of 315 athletes, 148 women and 167 men, selected using a random sampling method. In the study, the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and Self-Compassion Scale-Athlete Version were used as data collection instruments. As statistical analyses, t-tests were used for pairwise comparisons, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for multiple comparisons, the Tukey test for intergroup pairwise comparisons in the ANOVA test context, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for examination of the relationship between two scale scores. Upon examining the study results, statistically significant differences were found for the total mental toughness scores of participants based on gender, type of sport, level of sport, and years of participation in sports (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in mental toughness scores based on age (p>0.05). Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed in selfcompassion scores based on gender, age, type of sport, level of sport, or years of participation in sports (p>0.05). Finally, a positive and moderate significant relationship was found between the total scores for the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and the Self-Compassion Scale-Athlete Version (p<0.01). Based on these results, it is expected that an increase or decrease in self-compassion levels in athletes will be associated with an increase or KEYWORDS decrease in their mental toughness levels. Consequently, it is recommended that athletes engage in cognitive training in addition to physical training. This is anticipated to enhance both their mental toughness and selfcompassion levels.