Mental Strength Scale (MSS-9) Factor structure and reliability
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Abstract
Mental strength represents a person’s ability to persist through obstacles and recover from failures. The Mental Strength Scale was first developed as a simple tool for field applications for coaches and mental performance practitioners to determine strategic plans to improve a person’s mental strength. Study 1 aimed to assess, via confirmatory factor analysis, the Mental Strength Scale factor structure in a sample of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo athletes. Sample 1 included 630 combat sports practitioners (79.7 % males), representing 420 Brazilian jiu-jitsu and 210 judo participants from 18 to 60 years of age. Results indicated that the hypothesized factor structure was not a good fit for the data. As a result, Study 2 was conducted to propose modifications to the scale and reassess its structure via exploratory factor analysis in a sample of the general population. Sample 2 included 316 representatives of the United States general population (68% male) from 21 to 60 years of age. Based on the EFA, a one-factor solution is championed, with nine items retained (Appendix A). Cronbach’s alpha of .81 was computed for the retained items, indicating good internal consistency and reliability. Future studies are encouraged to conduct follow-up confirmatory factor analyses to provide construct validity support for the factor structure of the Mental Strength Scale (MSS-9).
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