Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-10) in Adolescent Football Players

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Departmentof Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran. E-mail: rokhsarehbadami@gmail.com.

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives
The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-10) among adolescent football players. The study evaluated construct validity (including convergent and discriminant validity), concurrent validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability of this instrument.

Materials and Methods
This descriptive-correlational study employed a psychometric evaluation approach. The sample consisted of 285 male adolescent football players aged 13-18 years, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the 10-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-10). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tested the conceptual model fit. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results
EFA revealed a four-factor structure for the MTQ-10, accounting for 54.01% of total variance. CFA indicated satisfactory model fit (CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.07). Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed, and concurrent validity was established through significant correlations with another validated instrument. Internal consistency was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha of 0.812 and composite reliability of 0.842. Test-retest reliability showed an ICC of 0.76 for the total scale, demonstrating adequate temporal stability.

Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that the Persian MTQ-10 possesses appropriate psychometric properties and acceptable reliability for assessing mental toughness in adolescent football players. This instrument can serve as a valid tool for evaluating mental toughness in young athletes. The results may assist sport psychologists and coaches in developing targeted training programs and psychological interventions to enhance mental toughness in adolescent athletes.

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 November 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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