Working_Paper_Cover_Gorky.docx

<b>Abstract</b>Mental toughness is widely recognized as a crucial psychological trait that enables athletes to perform under pressure and overcome adversity. However, the methods through which it is shaped—particularly within coach-athlete relationships—are not always positive. The primary objective of the study was to explore the relationship between athletes’ mental toughness and psychological violence by coaches. A total of 372 athletes (aged 19–36 years) participated in the study by completing an online questionnaire. Validated scales were utilized to assess psychological violence by coaches and mental toughness. To analyze the relationship between these variables, correlation analysis and quantile regression were conducted. The results demonstrated a significant negative association between psychological violence by coaches and mental toughness. Quantile regression further showed that this relationship was more pronounced among athletes with higher levels of mental toughness. Additionally, a Mann-Whitney U test revealed that athletes who experienced psychological violence reported lower mental toughness scores compared to those who did not. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of psychological violence on athletes’ mental toughness. Overall, the study highlights the importance of preventive measures and coach education to foster supportive and psychologically safe sports environments.