Tough Teammates: Training Grit and Optimism Together Improves Performance in Professional Footballers

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Degree type
Graduate group
Discipline
Subject
resilience
grit
optimism
mental toughness
performance
training
consistency
sport
coaching
well-being
Cognitive Psychology
Other Psychology
Quantitative Psychology
Sports Studies
Funder
Grant number
License
Copyright date
Distributor
Related resources
Contributor
Abstract

Many psychological constructs under the heading of Positive Psychology are important to the careers of athletes and other high level performers. Grit and optimism have both been linked to performance outcomes in multiple disciplines, and interventions have been trialed to develop these factors in individuals and groups, with varying levels of success. Using an adapted version of the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) and Master Resilience Training (MRT) programs used to train resilience in both education and military settings, we implemented a mental toughness training intervention with a group of professional football players (n = 22) and also followed a control group (n = 13) in the same team. Results show the training was effective at increasing optimism but not grit, and had a positive impact on performance over the following season that was moderated by previous performance levels. Correlations and regression models also showed that optimism and grit together were subsequently predictive of consistency and performance. We discuss the moderating effects of the player’s pre-training level of ability as well as potential leadership effects, and offer recommendations for future research into the links between optimism, grit and performance.

Advisor
Date of degree
2015-08-01
Date Range for Data Collection (Start Date)
Date Range for Data Collection (End Date)
Digital Object Identifier
Series name and number
Volume number
Issue number
Publisher
Publisher DOI
Journal Issue
Comments
Written by Paddy Steinfort in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Positive Psychology.
Recommended citation