"Self-compassion emerged as a crucial factor for mental toughness. Athletes who treated themselves with kindness and understanding were more confident, resilient, and capable of coping with setbacks."
Table tennis student-athletes often face intense mental and emotional challenges during training and competition. This study explored the levels of athletic identity, self-compassion, intra-team communication, and mental toughness among young table tennis players and examined how these factors influence their performance and psychological resilience.
The findings revealed that these athletes demonstrated strong athletic identities and effective communication within their teams, but only moderate levels of self-compassion and mental toughness. Athletes’ early involvement in sports likely shaped their strong athletic identity and communication skills, as sports environments promote collaboration and social interaction. However, moderate mental toughness may stem from their struggles in managing emotions like anxiety, which often leads to self-doubt during critical moments.
Self-compassion emerged as a crucial factor for mental toughness. Athletes who treated themselves with kindness and understanding were more confident, resilient, and capable of coping with setbacks. Conversely, athletes prone to self-criticism and negative self-judgment showed weaker mental toughness. This suggests that addressing uncompassionate behaviors is as essential as fostering self-compassion.
The study also highlighted the importance of teamwork and social connections. Positive intra-team communication strengthened team bonds and nurtured self-compassion, as athletes felt supported and valued. This supportive environment encouraged them to perform better and face challenges confidently. Sports practitioners are encouraged to design training programs that emphasize self-compassion while addressing self-critical tendencies. By fostering self-awareness and teamwork, athletes can develop the mental resilience needed for success, both on and off the court.
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Ritika Kureel
Ritika Kureel holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India. With a passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind, she is dedicated to applying her skills to support mental well-being. Ritika currently serves as a counselor in an organization that collaborates with Teach for India, where she helps guide young minds toward better emotional health. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, which brings her joy and balance.