The relationship between mental toughness and happiness in veteran and disable athletes in Shiraz in 2016

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, psychological aspects of veteran and disabled athletes have attracted researchers, happiness and mental toughness have not been studied simultaneously in veteran and disabled athletes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between happiness and mental toughness in veteran and disabled athletes. Materials and Methods: This This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited all 100 veteran and disabled athletes in Shiraz in 2016 through convenience sampling. They filled the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire by Argyle (1989) and Mental Toughness Questionnaire by Clough (2002). Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis in SPSS 18 at significance level of p<0.05. Results: The results of correlation coefficients showed significant relationships between happiness and the following variables: total score of mental strength (r = 0.453), challenge (r = 0.592), commitment (r = 0.230), emotional control (R = 0.258), confidence in ability (r = 0.497) and interpersonal trust (r = 0.228) subscales (p< 0.05). However, the correlation coefficient was insignificant between happiness and life control (r=0.184, p<0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that challenge (r2= 0.350) and ability confidence (r2= 0.450) predicted happiness. Conclusion: A positive and significant relationship between mental toughness and happiness and a high level of mental toughness and happiness in veteran and disabled athletes shows that physical activity may increase mental toughness and happiness, and generally mental health among veteran and disabled athletes.