Satisfaction With the Coach and Mental Toughness in Elite Male Ice Hockey Players.

Elite male ice-hockey players (n=154) completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and four subscales relating directly to satisfaction with the coach from the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire. Subscale means for mental toughness and satisfaction with the coach were above the mid-point of the respective scales. Significant positive correlations were found between all but two of the possible pairings of satisfaction with the coach and mental toughness subscales. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the coach satisfaction subscales were significant predictors of MT-Constancy (R²= .09), MT-Confidence (R²- .12), MT-Control (R²= .14) and MT-Global (R²= .17).The only unique contribution was made by Personal Treatment to MT-Constancy, MT-Control and MT-Global. This demonstrate that satisfaction with the coach relates positively to mental toughness, with the most important aspect being Personal Treatment. The results highlight the importance of establishing a positive and effective coach-athlete relationship. This can enhance athlete satisfaction and promote mental toughness in athletes