Which of the following best describes mental toughness?

Mental toughness is best described as the ability to perform under pressure. This concept encompasses how individuals can maintain focus and composure during challenging situations, allowing them to think clearly and execute tasks effectively when facing stress or adversity. Performance under pressure is often a critical dimension of mental toughness because it highlights how a person can withstand the rigors of competitive environments, whether in sports, business, or other high-stakes scenarios.

While stamina, resilience, and strength are all relevant traits that contribute to a person’s overall toughness, they do not fully encapsulate the essence of mental toughness. Stamina refers primarily to physical endurance, resilience indicates an ability to recover from setbacks, and strength pertains to physical power. In contrast, performing well under pressure is a specific manifestation of mental toughness, illustrating how individuals can rise to challenges and effectively handle the demands placed upon them in difficult situations.