Evolution of the concept of «mental strength» in foreign sport psychology

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Abstract

This article discusses the stages of development of the concept of mental strength in foreign literature. It traces the evolution of approaches to understanding and study of this phenomenon from reliance on the experience of consultations and observations to development of a full qualitative and quantitative research. The article discusses the importance of this notion of positive psychology for modern sport psychology, as well as the problems associated with the lack of a generally accepted definition, valid and reliable research tools and a lack of longitudinal studies.

General Information

Keywords: mental strength, coping, psychological readiness, self-efficacy, sport.

Journal rubric: Labour Psychology and Engineering Psychology

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2017060408

For citation: Fedunina N.Y. Evolution of the concept of «mental strength» in foreign sport psychology [Elektronnyi resurs]. Sovremennaia zarubezhnaia psikhologiia = Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 2017. Vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 77–83. DOI: 10.17759/jmfp.2017060408. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

Natalya Y. Fedunina, PhD in Psychology, research fellow of the Centre for emergency psychological assistance, Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, psychologis, Sports Center (CCU «Moskomsport»), Moscow, Russia, e-mail: natalia_fedunina@mail.ru

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