Factorial Structure, Reliability and Predictive Validity of the shortened Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-12)

Abstract

Introduction: There is an increasing research interest in the concept and measurement of mental toughness. Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties of the shortened Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-12) for adolescents.Method: In this survey study, 300 adolescents who were selected using the convenience sampling method, were answered the shortened Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-12) and the Health-oriented Academic life-style Questionnaire (Salehzadeh, Shokri & Fathabadi, 2017).Result: The confirmatory factor analysis proved the same unidimensional solution, as in the previous study on adolescents. The unidimensional structure of the shortened Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-12) was confirmed. All the items had significant path estimates (.65 to .94). Cronbach’s alpha for the shortened Mental Toughness Questionnaire was .94. Criterion evidence for the mental toughness factor scores was demonstrated through significant correlations with health-oriented academic life-style behaviors. Discussion and conclusion: Results show preliminary psychometric support for the MTQ-12 as a valid and reliable assessment tool to be used in research contexts. On the other hand, these findings provide further psychometric evidence for the MTQ-12 and support the utility of the questionnaire in Iran.

Keywords

• mental toughness
• psychometric validation
• shortened mental toughness questionnaire (mtq-12)
• adolescence