Cognitive Appraisals in Sport: The Direct and Moderating Role of Mental Toughness

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between mental toughness and cognitive appraisals, in addition to exploring the moderating influence of mental toughness upon cognitive appraisals. A total of 296 athletic participants (male n = 200; female n = 96) aged between 16 and 51 years (M age = 21.92 years, SD = 4.61) took part in this study. Moderated multiple regression analysis revealed mental toughness had a significant negative relationship with threat appraisal and a significant positive relationship with challenge. Additionally, mental toughness had a moderating influence upon the centrality-threat appraisal relationship. Overall, these findings imply interventions aimed at threat appraisal manipulation could be targeted at lower mentally tough athletes.