Is there a significant difference in mental toughness between semi-professional/professional and amateur goalkeepers in football?

The aim of this research was to identify if there were any significant differences in the scores of mental toughness, extraversion, and neuroticism between goalkeepers in football depending on what level of competition they played at. Participants were scored on the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire and a condensed version of the Big Five Personality Trait Test with questions covering extraversion and neuroticism only. There were 88 participants in the study (Males=81, Females=7) from two different levels of competition (Amateur=60, Semi-Professional/Professional=28). Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare the means of mental toughness and extraversion. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney u tests were conducted for the mental toughness subscales of control, confidence and constancy, and the personality trait neuroticism. There were no statistically significant findings for mental toughness or extraversion. However, semi-professional/professional goalkeepers scored higher in neuroticism which was contrary to the expectations of the researcher. Amateur goalkeepers also scored significantly higher in the mental toughness subscale of control. The study was the first of its kind into footballers in Ireland and could be used as a platform for further research with those participants