Mental Toughness among Gym-Goers: Gender, Age, Perceived Stress Level and Workout Frequency

Yoong, Kar Wai (2021) Mental Toughness among Gym-Goers: Gender, Age, Perceived Stress Level and Workout Frequency. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Mental toughness (MT) has primarily been studied in the setting of sports. It is thought to reflect the extent of resilient adaptation, which may directly or indirectly affect mental health. Although it is linked to physical activity levels, MT variations among gym-goers remain unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the MT of gym-goers with the self-reported frequency of going to the gym or workout and perceived stress level. Methodology: MTQ48 assessment was conducted online through a google form, distributed to gym-goers under several gym centres. The online questionnaire also consisted of demographic information, selfreported workout frequency and perceived stress level. This study enrolled 1000 participants, and they received comprehensive information regarding the survey purpose and the voluntary nature of their participation. All participants were guaranteed the confidentiality of their responses. Results: A total of 938 participants were included in the study after excluding 62 participants, which were considered contaminated, incomplete or missing data. Male participants (x= 24.75) reported higher toughness scores than females (x= 24.11) for most of the subscales. Participants in the young age group (x= 28.58) were found to have higher MT scores than participants in the old aged group (x= 27.44), while participants who reported experiencing high levels of perceived stress (MT score, x= 170.13) scored higher than those who felt less stress (MT score, x= 165.30). However, workout frequency showed no statistical significance with the overall MT score. Still, subscales like Challenge (1- 3 times per week x= 29.3027; 4-6 times per week, x= 29.9831; ≥ 7 times per week x= 30.6038), and Confidence abilities (1-3 times per week x= 31.4431; ≥ 7 times per week x= 32.8491) were found significantly higher in groups that go to the gym more. Discussion: The different levels of self-confidence and anxiety between genders might result from both males and females being treated differently based on societal conventions. Younger gym-goers accounted for a relatively large percentage in the study sample, which reflects the on-going fitness trend among young people. The variation in purpose and duration of gym workout may explain why certain subscales measured more strongly in certain age groups. Mentally tough people are more likely to have more ways of dealing with stress. Conclusion: Workout has a positive effect on MT. However, further research is needed to identify the actual types of exercises done and for how long at a time plus the duration spent actually working out rather than the frequency of gym visits only.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms. Nor Safa'aton Saidin
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2023 07:54
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2023 07:54
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1089

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