Mental toughness for athletes in sport: Scopus bibliometric analysis

Introduction: Psychological aspects are gaining popularity in sport as athletes strive for success. One psychological factor that is critical to supporting success is mental toughness. Mental toughness is defined as an athlete's ability to stay focused, calm, and think positively in the face of pressure during competition Objective: This study explore research related to mental toughness from 1985-2024 Methodology: This study aims to map research trends on mental toughness in athletes through bibliometric analysis using data from the Scopus database. Analysis was conducted using R software (Bibliometrix) and VOSviewer to explore publication trends, author collaborations, dominant keywords, and emerging research themes. Results: The results reveal that mental toughness is a growing topic, with publication peaks in 2024. The research is dominated by developed countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, and leading institutions like the University of Basel and Curtin University. Key researchers, such as Gucciardi D.F., significantly contributed to establishing the theoretical framework of mental toughness. The main themes identified include mental toughness in male athletes, focusing on psychological aspects such as motivation and resilience. Additionally, specific themes such as burnout, perfectionism, and sports injuries are identified as emerging areas of research Conclusions: This study provides comprehensive insights into trends and key focuses in mental toughness studies and opens opportunities to explore underrepresented populations, develop effective interventions, and expand research scope in the future.