Analysis of the mental toughness, physical activity level, and stress coping strategies of university students

Abstract

Background: Mental toughness, physical activity, and coping strategies are key psychological components influencing individuals’ well-being, performance, and stress management. Exploring these elements in sports science students can offer insights into how personal factors shape behavioral outcomes. Objective: To examine the mental toughness, physical activity level and stress coping strategies of students at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University by taking into account individual factors and to analyze the interrelationships between these variables. Methods: A total of 183 students (103 men and 80 women) from the Faculty of Sports Sciences voluntarily participated in the study. This research employed a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected using standardized scales for mental toughness, physical activity, and stress coping strategies. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency were used to present participants’ personal information. Internal consistency of the scales was assessed, and kurtosis-skewness values were examined to confirm the normality of the data. For hypothesis testing, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were applied. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in mental toughness and stress coping strategies based on participants’ purpose of engagement in sports, particularly between those participating for health/leisure and those with an amateur sports license (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in mental toughness and stress coping strategies across physical activity categories (p>0.05). Correlational analyses revealed meaningful relationships among variables such as years of sports participation, physical activity levels, mental toughness, and stress coping strategies. Conclusions: Based on the results, individuals’ purpose for engaging in sports significantly influences their mental toughness and stress coping strategies, while overall physical activity level does not; additionally, longer sports participation is associated with higher mental resilience and better coping strategies.