A comparative study of self-esteem, mental toughness and athletic identity in team and individual sports: male athletes.

Self-esteem, mental toughness and athletic identity are all psychological factors which are essential in order for athletes to maximise their performance, enjoyment and maintain positive mental health. The research of the psychological characteristics of athletes is an area that must receive more focus, as it is sometimes neglected as athletes are not seen as a vulnerable group. The current study hypothesized that team and individual athletes would have different levels of self-esteem, athletic identity and mental toughness. Furthermore, it was explored whether years of experience and hours of practice per week would affect levels of self-esteem, athletic identity and mental toughness. The sample consisted of 104 athletes, (51%) individual athletes and (49%) team athletes. Participants from 7 different sports were included, 3 were team sports and 4 individual sports. The measures used to test the dependent variables were the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Sport mental toughness scale and an Athletic Identity subscale developed from the Academic and Athletic identity scale. Results revealed that team athletes scored significantly higher on levels of athletic identity than individual athletes, However, no significant difference was found on levels of mental toughness and self-esteem between the two groups. Furthermore it was revealed that the most experienced individuals had significantly higher levels of self-esteem and athletic identity than the least experienced. Also, it was revealed that individuals who put in the greatest number of hours of practice per week had the highest levels of mental toughness and athletic identity