engleski

The mental toughness of active runners as a protective factor for intention manifestation: strengthening perceived behavioural control and mitigating barriers

The Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) conceptualises the manifestation of behaviours as the result of intention and perceived and actual behavioural control as factors that may attenuate or support the behavioural manifestation of intention. However, another relevant theoretical and empirical question is which constructs may mediate the relationships between intention and behavioural control, consequently increasing and decreasing the likelihood of behaviour manifestation. Thus, this research aimed to explore the mediating role of mental toughness in the relationship between the intention to be physically active with perceived and actual behavioural control. One hundred and twenty-five active runners aged 18 to 52 years (Mage = 31.06 (3.70) ; Nmale = 73, Nfemale = 52) completed online questionnaires within the preliminary phase of the project: Physical activity and psychological well-being: from habit to identity. As suggested by the TPB, we constructed operationalisations of constructs within the theoretical model according to the research aim (Intention, Perceived behavioural control and Perceived internal and external barriers to being physically active as indicators of Actual behavioural control). In addition, we measured mental toughness using the Mental toughness index. We performed three mediation models with the intention to be physically active as the predictor, mental toughness as the mediator and perceived behavioural control, and perceived internal and external barriers to being physically active as criteria. Results showed that mental toughness fully mediated the relationship between the intention to be physically active with perceived behavioural control and external barriers to being physically active. Higher intention predicted higher mental toughness, which predicted higher behavioural control and less pronounced external barriers to being physically active. Furthermore, results showed a direct negative effect (approaching significance) of intention to be physically active on internal barriers to being physically active. However, the partial mediating role of mental toughness predicting less pronounced internal barriers to being physically active was also found. We discuss the results of the preliminary phase of the project regarding the application of TPB in sport and exercise psychology, as well as possible adjustments and extensions of the model by including relevant constructs.

Theory of Planned Behaviour, Active Running, Mental Toughness, Perceived Behavioural Control, Actual Control

nije evidentirano