PENGARUH MENTAL THOUGHNESS TERHADAP KEPERCAYAAN DIRI PELAJAR ATLET

Self-confidence plays an important role in shaping the mental toughness of student athletes when facing competition. This study examines the relationship between the two variables through a quantitative correlational approach involving 171 student athletes aged 15-24 years from various sports in Indonesia. Data collection used standardized psychometric instruments adapted from the Australian Football Mental Toughness Inventory to measure mental toughness and the Carolina Sport Confidence Inventory to assess self-confidence. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant positive relationship between the two variables with a correlation coefficient of 0.819 and a significance level below 0.001.
The main findings of the study revealed that student athletes with high self-confidence tend tohave better abilities in dealing with competitive pressure, managing match stress, and showing stronger mental resilience when facing failure. They are also able to maintain stable performance in various match situations. The practical implications of the results of this studyemphasize the need to develop a structured and sustainable mental training program for student athletes. Integration of psychological aspects into the athlete coaching curriculum and the development of specific strategies to deal with competitive pressure are also important. The role of coaches in creating a training environment that supports the development of athlete self-confidence should also not be ignored.