Dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48)

Perry, JL, Strycharczyk, D, Dagnall, N ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0657-7604, Denovan, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9082-7225, Papageorgiou, KA and Clough, PJ (2021) Dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48). Frontiers in Psychology, 12. p. 654836. ISSN 1664-1078

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Abstract

Currently there is debate as to whether mental toughness is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. To investigate the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48), a widely used measure of mental toughness, we examined data from a sample of 78,947 participants. A series of exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) assessed unidimensional, multidimensional, and bifactor solutions. Overall, results supported a bifactor conceptualization of mental toughness. Bifactor analysis was consistent with the use of a general factor score. In conclusion, the authors argue that mental toughness should be considered as an umbrella term representing a general trait comprised of related constructs that provide a psychological advantage in performance and promote positive mental health. Finally, this article identifies limitations in the existing measurement of mental toughness and proposes necessary directions in future research.