Abstract

Mental toughness (MT) is a personality construct that enhances performance in sport, while flow and clutch states are psychological states that underlie excellent athletic performance. This study explored whether flow and clutch states differed between higher MT (HMT) and lower MT (LMT) athletes. Sixteen athletes (HMT n = 8; LMT n = 8) were tracked for five sport performances, and the occurrence of flow and clutch states was explored through event-focused interviews. Data were analysed in the HMT and LMT subgroups in terms of the initiation of both flow and clutch states, and the sustainment of both flow and clutch states. Contrasts were apparent between subgroups, with differences reported in the initiation of flow and clutch states, and the sustainment of clutch states. Findings suggest individual differences in the occurrence of flow and clutch states between HMT and LMT athletes, and extend understanding of MT, flow, and clutch states.