Philippine E-Journals

Lived Experiences Among Elite Filipino Athletes on Mental Toughness: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Mark Anthony S. Cabanda

 

Abstract:

This study aims to explore the lived experiences among elite Filipino athletes, their traits as well as factors contributing to mental toughness. The participants were a total of nine elite Filipino athletes who were selected using purposive sampling. Also, the researcher interviewed three national coaches and three former national players in team sports for triangulation purposes. The result of this research showed that there were three main themes emerged factors of mental toughness among elite Filipino athletes: these are the 3KPs such as; (1) Kaisipang Pakikisama (Sense of Cohesion) that has 2PPs, such as; Pakikisama- Pagkamakabayan (Patriotism) and Pakikisama-Pakikipagtulungan (Collaboration) as the sub-themes, (2) Kaisipang Pagtindig (Resiliency) that has 2PKs, such as; Pagtindig-Kahandaan (Mental Preparedness), and Pagtindig-Katapangan (grit) as the sub-themes; and (3) Kaisipang Pagwawagi (Winning Mindset) that has 2PMs, such as; Pagwawagi- Mapagsumikap (Striving for the best) and Pagwawagi-Makatotohanan (Positive Realism) as the sub-themes. Moreover, there were four themes that emerged that suggest personality traits among elite Filipino athletes: (1) Competitiveness; (2) Self-awareness; (3) Learning Agility; and (4) Agreeableness. The findings gave an understanding about the factors of mental toughness in dealing with challenges, stressors, pressures, and circumstances that they encounter during the game. These personality traits of the athletes indicated that their behaviour was guided towards the goal of the team. It also expressed their identity being part of the national team as they represented the country in an international tournament.