Mental Toughness and Performance (Ranking Points) on the Basis of Gender among Hockey Players in Kenya’s Premier League

Abstract

Purpose: Mental toughness is a critical psychological attribute associated with sustained athletic performance under competitive pressure. While previous studies suggest that male athletes often report higher mental toughness levels than females, limited evidence exists regarding whether gender moderates the mental toughness–performance relationship in African elite team sports. This study examined the relationship between mental toughness and performance (ranking points) on the basis of gender among hockey players competing in the Kenya Premier League.

Methodology: Using a cross-sectional analytical design, data were collected from 288 elite players (144 males and 144 females) drawn from 12 Premier League teams. Mental toughness was assessed using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48), measuring confidence, commitment, control, and challenge, while performance was operationalized through official league ranking points. Non-parametric analyses and moderated regression techniques were employed.

Findings: Results revealed that although male players recorded marginally higher mean scores across mental toughness components, gender did not significantly moderate the relationship between mental toughness and performance. Mental toughness remained a significant predictor of performance for both male and female players.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings suggest that mental toughness contributes to elite hockey performance irrespective of gender, underscoring the need for inclusive psychological skills training in player development programs.