Publication Details
Abstract
Background Mental toughness (MT) is a psychological attribute linked to performance success, although its role in injury prevention is subject to debate. Given this attention, the purpose of this systematic review is to consolidate current knowledge about the association between mental toughness and risk, incidence, and rehabilitation outcomes following sports injury. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to January 2023 was conducted. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Included studies: The relationship between MT and injury in competitive athletes was considered. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Of 1,746 registries evaluated, 12 studies were eligible for inclusion (7 cross-sectional, 4 prospective/interventional, and 1 mixed method). The results are largely negative regarding the association between TM use and injury risk. Mentally strong athletes excelled in stress management and emotional control and, as a result, were able to cushion the impact of discomfort in injuries. However, one study raised the possibility of a "dark side," in which HT was associated with pain concealment and medical delay. Conclusion: Mental toughness appears to function as a protective factor in sports injuries, primarily through stress-buffering mechanisms—limitations. Despite the encouraging findings, cross-sectional designs predominate, limiting our ability to draw causal inferences. Longitudinal interventions should receive a great deal of research attention in the future.