Abstract

This study examined the leadership preferences of mentally tough athletes. A sample of
103 athletes (M age = 22.06 years, SD = 4.37) participated and ranged from club /
university level to county standard in a variety of team sports. Participants completed the
Leadership Scale for Sport – Preference Version (Chelladurai & Saleh, 1978) to measure
preferred leadership, and the MTQ48 (Clough et al., 2002) to measure mental toughness.
Mental toughness was predicted to be significantly and positively related to a preference
for training and instructive behaviours, and negatively related to a preference for social
support. Linear regression analysis and Pearson correlations were used to analyse the
data. Consistent with theoretical predictions, mental toughness was found to be
significantly related to a preference for training and instructive behaviours (r = 0.40, P <
.01). Results of linear regression analysis revealed the MTQ48 subscales of commitment
and challenge were significant predictors of preference for training and instructive
behaviours. Total mental toughness was not found to be significantly related to
preference for social support, democratic behaviours, autocratic behaviours or positive
feedback (P > .05). This suggests that coaches working with mentally tough athletes
should consider emphasising training and instructive behaviours if they wish to attain
congruence between actual and preferred leadership behaviours. Greater research into the
influence of personality upon athlete leadership preferences is encouraged.