The effect of blood type on the mental toughness of female high school athletic students

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. in exercise physiology. Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. in sport psychology. University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 M.Sc. in exercise physiologyHakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Personality traits, as one of the three major categories of psychosocial variables influencing stress response, have attracted considerable research attention in recent years. Compared to non-athletes, athletes exhibit distinct psychological and emotional traits, which can enhance their performance and help them achieve optimal outcomes under varying conditions. Identifying factors influencing individuals’ psychological and personality traits can guide us toward better understanding and developing effective strategies for promoting mental health in different populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different blood groups on mental toughness among female high school athletes.
Methods: The statistical population of this study consisted of all female students participating in the National Championship Sports Competitions for school students across the country, held in the summer of 2022 in Zanjan Province, with a total of 1,011 athletes from various sports disciplines. From this population, a sample of 301 students was selected using simple random sampling based on Morgan’s table. Mental toughness data were collected using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire developed by Sheard and Golby. Data analysis was conducted at both descriptive and inferential levels using statistical tests appropriate to the measurement scales. Normality of the data distribution was confirmed through the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. One-way ANOVA was applied to examine the differences in mental toughness.
Findings: Given that the ANOVA significance level was less than 0.05, it was concluded that there were significant differences in mental toughness among female student athletes based on their blood group. The significance levels in Scheffe’s post-hoc comparisons indicated that athletes with blood group O possessed higher mental toughness than those in other blood groups. Given that the significance level of the ANOVA test is less than 0.05, it is concluded that there is a significant difference in mental toughness among female student athletes based on blood type.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that students with blood type O positive and negative have higher mental toughness compared to other blood types. It can be said that athletes who possess high mental toughness are more successful in maintaining their performance, coping with stressful situations, and preserving emotional balance. Consequently, mental toughness is a crucial factor in enhancing athletic success. Furthermore, psychological factors such as self-confidence and social support are determinant in increasing mental toughness.

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Research in Sport Sciences Education (RISSE)
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 8
Vol 3. No 1. Spring 2025
March 2025
Pages 37-44

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