Differences in suffering perception and mental toughness among different Lebanese groups : martial arts, running, football, basketball, volleyball, sedentary, and active people

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined differences between sport athlete types and groups in terms of physical, psychological, existential suffering, as well as mental toughness. Method: A sample of 146 participants reported data on mental toughness, physical suffering, physical distress, psychological suffering, existential suffering, current and maximum training hours per week, practice of sport in years, gender, and age. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between mental toughness and the suffering scales. Furthermore, sport type as opposed to sport group is a predictor of mental toughness, where participation in sport and being physically active promotes mental toughness, with martial artists scoring higher than other sport types. There is no difference between sport types or groups with regards to physical suffering or physical distress. In addition, psychological suffering is more associated with individuals who are physically active yet do not participate in sports. Existential suffering was found to be more common in both Basketball and Football, emphasizing the inability to feel peace in the former and viewing life as a failure in the latter. Finally, there were no differences in all variables with regards to gender. Conclusion: Findings are discussed on an athletic individual and team level, where implications and recommendations for current and aspirant athletes, coaches, as well as future researchers are given based on current research limitations.