Papers by Richard Cowden
Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 2018
This study explored the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Perceived Sense of Sc... more This study explored the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Perceived Sense of School Membership (PSSM-18) Scale in two samples of South African adolescents. Principal components analysis (n = 1,052; males = 50.86%, Mage = 14.89, SD = 1.68) supported the retention of 15 items across a revised, three-factor structure of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion (PSSM–South African version [PSSM-SA]). Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 1,418; males = 49.86%, Mage = 14.93, SD = 1.70) provided an acceptable level of fit for the PSSM-SA. The structure was found to be invariant across sex, age, and poverty quintile groupings. Follow-up group comparisons showed selected scales were able to discriminate between groups and predicted alcohol and substance use, and the mean inter-item correlations indicated each scale possessed an appropriate level of internal consistency. The findings suggest the PSSM-SA is a valid and reliable measure of school belonging among South African high school–age children.
South African Journal of Psychology, 2016
The Resilience Scale for Adults is considered a valid and reliable measure of resilience resource... more The Resilience Scale for Adults is considered a valid and reliable measure of resilience resources and has received validation support across several populations. This study attempted to validate and examine the psychometric properties of the instrument in a sample of competitive tennis players to prospectively appropriate the inventory for use among athletes. The tennis athletes (n = 365) completed the Resilience Scale for Adults, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the stress items included on the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis model fit indices revealed an acceptable level of fit for the original six-factor structure. The Resilience Scale for Adults scale and subscales were negatively associated with stress and correlated positively with mental toughness, providing evidence of the convergent validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults. Collectively, the findings offer initial support for using the Resilience Scale for Adults to assess a broad range of protective factors among competitive tennis players. Further research is required to explore the adaptation or refinement of the Resilience Scale for Adults for use in multiple sporting contexts.
Journal of Sport Behavior, 2014
The purpose of this study was to investigate athletes' (eight males and eight females) and their ... more The purpose of this study was to investigate athletes' (eight males and eight females) and their respective coaches' (two males and two females) perceptions and appraisals of the athletes' mental toughness (MT) in elite tennis. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) was used to ascertain perceptions and appraisals of MT. Athletes and their respective coaches agreed on the most important components of MT in intercollegiate tennis. These include " not giving up in difficult situations " and " having what it takes to perform well while under pressure. " However, coaches and athletes displayed limited agreement on the importance and indicants of other MT characteristics and the athletes' appraisal of their MT. Promoting coach-athlete compatibility in identifying MT and on implementing strategies to improve MT is needed in future research, particularly as a function of sport type, skill level, and gender.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2016
This study investigated relationships between mental toughness and measures of competitive perfor... more This study investigated relationships between mental toughness and measures of competitive performance in tennis. Forty-three male (N = 25) and female (N = 18) players (M age = 13.6 years, SD = 2.4) completed the mental toughness inventory, and the point-by-point outcomes recorded during a competitive tennis match (singles) were used to generate performance indices for each athlete. The results indicated that mental toughness was associated with several, but not all, macro, micro, and critical moment performance indices. The findings suggest mental toughness may contribute to successful performance during tennis competition, although the importance of the construct appears to depend depend on specific match situations. Future mental toughness research should consider a range of factors related to sport performance, including athletes' and opponents' physical, technical, and tactical abilities.
The Open AIDS Journal, 2018
The global commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 places HIV prevention at the centre of ... more The global commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 places HIV prevention at the centre of the response. With the disease continuing to disproportionately affect young populations in the Eastern and Southern African Region (ESAR), particularly adolescent girls and young women, reducing HIV infections in this group is integral to achieving this ambitious target. This paper examines epidemiological patterns of the HIV epidemic among adolescents and young people, indicating where HIV prevention efforts need to be focused (, adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men and young key populations). Key innovations in the science of HIV prevention and strategies for dealing with programme implementation are reviewed. The paper also discusses the value of processes to mitigate HIV vulnerability and recommends actions needed to sustain the HIV prevention response. Stemming the tide of new HIV infections among young people in the ESAR requires an amplification of efforts across all sectors, which will safeguard past achievements and advance actions towards eliminating AIDS as a public health threat.
Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 2016
We investigated the relationships among the self-reflection and self-insight components of self-a... more We investigated the relationships among the self-reflection and self-insight components of self-awareness, and resilience and stress in competitive South African tennis players. A sample of 175 male and 158 female athletes (Mage = 29.09 years, SD = 14.00) completed the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the stress items from the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. The results indicated that both self-reflection and self-insight were positively correlated with resilience, and that self-insight, but not self-reflection, was negatively correlated with stress. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that self-insight was the single significant predictor of both resilience and stress. Our findings provide support for the importance of self-awareness, particularly self-insight, in mitigating stress and promoting resilience among tennis athletes. The implications of engaging in self-reflective practices and attaining self-insight in terms of improved athletic performance outcomes are discussed.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2016
The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships between mental toughness (MT) and... more The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships between mental toughness (MT) and two constructs also linked to athletic performance, emotional intelligence (EI) and coping effectiveness. A sample of 151 male adolescent athletes (M age = 15.4 years, SD = 1.3) completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, the Self-Rated Emotional Intelligence Scale, and an adapted version of the Coping Effectiveness Scale. The regression and mediation analysis results supported both hypotheses in that (a) EI was a significant predictor of MT and (b) the relationship between EI and coping effectiveness was fully mediated by MT. The findings suggest that EI may be an important mechanism through which mentally tough responses and outcomes are generated. Furthermore, although EI is associated with coping effectiveness, it is the attributes of MT that account for the superior coping effectiveness reported among athletes high in EI. Future research could explore whether MT may be developed through intervention programs that target EI, along with the influence of such programs on athletes' coping effectiveness.
Psychological Reports, 2017
Young people are particularly vulnerable to health risk behaviors and interpersonal violence, sti... more Young people are particularly vulnerable to health risk behaviors and interpersonal violence, stimulating scholars' attention towards identifying factors that may reduce the likelihood that these actions will occur. Associated with positive outcomes in a variety of domains, mental toughness in young people might protect them from engaging in potentially deleterious interpersonal or health-risk behaviors, while potentially promoting positive psychological behaviors. Within this framework, the present study investigated the relationships between mental toughness, attitudes towards physical and psychological risk-taking, and trait forgiveness in a sample of 123 (males = 54, females = 69) South African youth ( M age = 23.97 years, SD = 4.46). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated higher levels of mental toughness were associated with being more forgiving (partial-eta squared = .036), perceiving physical risk-taking more positively (partial-eta squared = .062), but having more negative attitudes towards psychological risk-taking (partial-eta squared = .036). These findings give credence to mental toughness as a psychological characteristic involved in youth risk-taking perceptions and interpersonal functioning. Future research might explore the integration of mental toughness into the development of future youth risk behavior interventions.
Journal of Sport Behavior, Sep 1, 2014
Frontiers in Psychology, 2016
The present study investigated the relationships between mental toughness (MT), resilience, and s... more The present study investigated the relationships between mental toughness (MT), resilience, and stress among competitive South African tennis players. A total of 351 tennis players participating at various competitive standards completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and a modified version of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. The results indicated that total MT was positively associated with total resilience (r = 0.59), but negatively associated with total stress (r = -0.44). The resilience subscales of perception of self, perception of future, social competence, and social resources, but not family cohesion, significantly predicted total MT (R (2) = 0.35). Both total resilience and total MT significantly predicted total stress (R (2) = 0.21). Based on the findings, interrelations between MT and resilience are explored, implications outlined, and additional research is suggested to ascertain the contextual relevance and out...
Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2014
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which two constructs, learned resourcefuln... more The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which two constructs, learned resourcefulness and competitive trait anxiety, measured by the Self-Control Schedule and Sports Competition Anxiety Test, respectively, predicted mental toughness on the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire among male and female elite tennis players. The participants included two NCAA Division 1 (U.S.) intercollegiate tennis teams comprising eight male (M age = 19.4 yr., SD = 1.2) and eight female (M age = 20.9 yr., SD = 1.4) players and their respective head coaches (N = 2, M age = 28 yr., SD = 5.7). Results of regression analyses indicated that learned resourcefulness was the primary predictor of athlete self-rated mental toughness and that competitive trait anxiety was relatively unrelated to coach and athlete-rated mental toughness. The positive significant relationship between mental toughness and learned resourcefulness suggests that the latter may be an integral component of mental toughness, at least among elite tennis players. Further research is needed to examine related components of mental toughness, including learned resourcefulness, and to determine the effectiveness of interventions that increase mental toughness to optimal levels, particularly as a function of sport type.
PLoS ONE, 2017
Resilience is a dynamic, interactive process between resources that contribute to safeguarding a ... more Resilience is a dynamic, interactive process between resources that contribute to safeguarding a person and the adversities they experience. Within this promotional framework of resilience, this study sought to validate the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28) among a sample of South African adolescents (N = 1854). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a superior level of fit for a 24-item, three-factor model (i.e., individual/social, familial, and community/spiritual). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability estimates at a 12-month interval (N = 648) supported the reliability of the scales. Higher scores on the scales were associated with feeling more connected at school, greater parental monitoring perceptions, and lower sexual risk, confirming the convergent and criterion validity of the instrument. Partial discriminative power was evidenced based on selected scale distinctions according to age and sex groupings. Collectively, the findings suggest the 24-item CYRM is a valid and reliable self-report measure to assess the availability of resources associated with resilience in South African youth.
South African Journal of Psychology, 2017
The purpose of this qualitative review is to stimulate empirical research on forgiveness within S... more The purpose of this qualitative review is to stimulate empirical research on forgiveness within South Africa (and other portions of Africa). The article explores a Western understanding of the psychology of forgiveness, including its definition as distinct from reconciliation, its sequelae, and its predictors. Findings are examined with particular emphasis on differences between research in more Westernised societies (i.e., United States and Western Europe), where most of the forgiveness research has historically occurred, and research in South Africa. A culturally sensitive approach to the study of forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa was utilised, and the
extant research on forgiveness in South Africa was briefly reviewed. The article informs emergent forgiveness researchers about ways to effectively launch Africa-centric studies and outlines future directions in the field to researchers who are already involved in conducting forgiveness research. Thus, a research agenda is suggested for making an impact on the field of forgiveness, on forgiveness in Africa, (particularly) on forgiveness research in South Africa, and on reconciliation and the furthering of peace.
South African Journal of Science, 2017
This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample... more This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample of 175 male and 158 female South African tennis athletes (mean age = 29.09 years, s.d. = 14.00). The participants completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale to assess MT (confidence, constancy, control) and self-awareness (self-reflection and self-insight) dimensions, respectively. Linear regression indicated that self-insight (β=0.49), but not self-reflection (β=0.02), predicted global MT. Multivariate regression analyses were significant for self-reflection (η p ²=0.11) and self-insight (η p ²=0.24). Self-reflection predicted confidence and constancy (η p ²=0.05 and 0.06, respectively), whereas self-insight predicted all three MT subcomponents (η p ²=0.12 to 0.14). The findings extend prior qualitative research evidence supporting the relevance of self-awareness to the MT of competitive tennis athletes, with self-reflection and insight forming prospective routes through which athletes' MT may be developed.
The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2017
Background:
Mental toughness (MT) is often referred to as one of the most important psychological... more Background:
Mental toughness (MT) is often referred to as one of the most important psychological attributes underpinning the success of athletes. Although selected studies have examined this common supposition, research in this area has yet to be synthesized.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to review the quantitative literature on MT, competitive standard, achievement level, and performance
(competitive and non-competitive) in sport.
Method:
Searches using a specified key term were performed in 10 databases during August 2016. Following an initial screening of the unique records that were identified (N = 1025), 19 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review.
Results:
The majority of MT-competitive standard studies (N = 10) found total (66.7%) or subcomponent (71.4%) MT differences, with mentally tougher athletes participating at higher levels of competition. Of the remaining studies (N = 9), most indicated (77.8%) mentally tougher athletes tend to achieve more or perform better.
Conclusion:
Collectively, the results point to mentally tougher athletes’ superior levels of success. The findings are discussed alongside the limitations associated with this part of the current MT in sport literature, with several important areas outlined for scholars to consider and pursue when conducting future research.
International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2016
The purpose of the present study was to determine the level of mental toughness (MT) of South Afr... more The purpose of the present study was to determine the level of mental toughness (MT) of South African competitive tennis players as a function of ethnicity, sex, age, length of tennis participation, and competitive standard. Competitive tennis players, 191 males and 174 females, completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated statistically significant differences in MT based on age as well as length of tennis participation, but not as a function of the players’ ethnicity, sex, and competitive standard. Older age groups and athletes participating for longer periods of time tended to report higher levels of total MT, constancy, and control compared to the younger and less experienced age groups. Age and length of participation group differences between the older age (30–48 years and 49 years and older) and longer period of participation (16–25 years, 26–35 years, and 36 or more years) categories were not found for total MT, constancy, and control. The implications for the nature and development of MT in competitive tennis are discussed, with the need to consider personal and sport involvement characteristics, among other factors, when designing MT interventions that are appropriate for individual tennis players.
An extensive body of research has investigated links between perfectionism and motivation, yet th... more An extensive body of research has investigated links between perfectionism and motivation, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these psychological characteristics have been underexplored. In this study, we used an integrative modelling approach to examine associations between dimensions of perfectionism (i.e., personal standards [PSP] and concerns over mistakes [CMP]), mental toughness (MT), and motivational orientations (i.e., self- [SDM] and non-self-determined motivation [NSDM]). Based on a sample of 318 male (n = 218) and female (n = 100) tennis players (Mage = 17.61, SD = 2.41), fit indices derived from structural equation modelling supported a partially mediated model. Residual PSP associated positively with MT (β = .74) and SDM (β = .40), and negatively with NSDM (β = -.22). Conversely, residual CMP associated negatively with MT (β = .14) and SDM (β = -.19), and positively with NSDM (β = .73). Mental toughness was positively associated with SDM (β = .28), but was unrelated to NSDM (β = .07). The relationship between residual PSP and SDM was partially mediated by MT (standardized indirect effect: 95% CI = .19, .46). The findings of this study support research linking dimensions of perfectionism with motivational orientations and offers preliminary evidence on the mediating role of MT in the association between these psychological constructs. With emerging research supporting the capacity to develop MT through targeted interventions, the findings are discussed alongside salient implications.
We examined associations between mental toughness, self-directed, negatively toned emotions and c... more We examined associations between mental toughness, self-directed, negatively toned emotions and cognitions, and self-forgiveness. With reference to their participation in competitive tennis, a sample of 343 competitive tennis players (Mage = 17.56, SD = 2.37) completed questionnaires measuring their mental toughness, self-forgiveness, and tendency to experience shame, anger, and criticism towards themselves. Mental toughness associated negatively with self-oriented shame, anger, and criticism, and positively with self-forgiveness. The effect of mental toughness on both shame and anger towards the self was fully mediated by self-forgiveness, whereas self-forgiveness partially mediated the effect for self-criticism. The findings support the role of self-forgiveness, over mental toughness, in reducing or eliminating self-condemning, resentful, and devaluing responses that athletes direct towards themselves.
Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2018
The birth of a first child can be stressful on intimate partner relationships and the women havin... more The birth of a first child can be stressful on intimate partner relationships and the women having their first child. Conflict can occur, and hurts might be experienced, which could lead to post-partum depression. Thus, capacity for forgiveness with specific hurts might affect post-partum depression. We investigated women having their first child (N = 52), and examined whether dyadic adjustment, trait forgiveness, and situational forgiving during pregnancy predicted postpartum depression. This study found that marital forgiveness predicted lower levels of depression above and beyond the effects of general dyadic adjustment. Dyadic adjustment and trait forgiveness predicted postpartum depression while situational forgiving was mixed. Postpartum depression researchers are encouraged to consider the inclusion of positive psychology variables, such as forgiveness, in future research studies.
Peer-reviewed Articles by Richard Cowden
The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2020
To identify potential protective mechanisms that might buffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemi... more To identify potential protective mechanisms that might buffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being, the current set of studies (NStudy 1 = 1172, NStudy 2 = 451) examined the roles of hope and religious coping (positive and negative) in promoting well-being during stay-at-home orders that were implemented in Colombia and South Africa. After controlling for relevant sociodemographic characteristics (Study 1), subjective health complaints, and sleep quality (Study 2), hope was positively associated with well-being and the relation between hope and well-being was moderated by religious coping. Whilst well-being was highest when levels of hope were high (irrespective of positive or negative religious coping levels), when reported hope was low, well-being tended to be higher when positive religious coping was high (Study 1) and negative religious coping was low (Study 2). Implications of the findings for maintaining well-being during a public health crisis are discussed.
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Papers by Richard Cowden
extant research on forgiveness in South Africa was briefly reviewed. The article informs emergent forgiveness researchers about ways to effectively launch Africa-centric studies and outlines future directions in the field to researchers who are already involved in conducting forgiveness research. Thus, a research agenda is suggested for making an impact on the field of forgiveness, on forgiveness in Africa, (particularly) on forgiveness research in South Africa, and on reconciliation and the furthering of peace.
Mental toughness (MT) is often referred to as one of the most important psychological attributes underpinning the success of athletes. Although selected studies have examined this common supposition, research in this area has yet to be synthesized.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to review the quantitative literature on MT, competitive standard, achievement level, and performance
(competitive and non-competitive) in sport.
Method:
Searches using a specified key term were performed in 10 databases during August 2016. Following an initial screening of the unique records that were identified (N = 1025), 19 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review.
Results:
The majority of MT-competitive standard studies (N = 10) found total (66.7%) or subcomponent (71.4%) MT differences, with mentally tougher athletes participating at higher levels of competition. Of the remaining studies (N = 9), most indicated (77.8%) mentally tougher athletes tend to achieve more or perform better.
Conclusion:
Collectively, the results point to mentally tougher athletes’ superior levels of success. The findings are discussed alongside the limitations associated with this part of the current MT in sport literature, with several important areas outlined for scholars to consider and pursue when conducting future research.
Peer-reviewed Articles by Richard Cowden
extant research on forgiveness in South Africa was briefly reviewed. The article informs emergent forgiveness researchers about ways to effectively launch Africa-centric studies and outlines future directions in the field to researchers who are already involved in conducting forgiveness research. Thus, a research agenda is suggested for making an impact on the field of forgiveness, on forgiveness in Africa, (particularly) on forgiveness research in South Africa, and on reconciliation and the furthering of peace.
Mental toughness (MT) is often referred to as one of the most important psychological attributes underpinning the success of athletes. Although selected studies have examined this common supposition, research in this area has yet to be synthesized.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to review the quantitative literature on MT, competitive standard, achievement level, and performance
(competitive and non-competitive) in sport.
Method:
Searches using a specified key term were performed in 10 databases during August 2016. Following an initial screening of the unique records that were identified (N = 1025), 19 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review.
Results:
The majority of MT-competitive standard studies (N = 10) found total (66.7%) or subcomponent (71.4%) MT differences, with mentally tougher athletes participating at higher levels of competition. Of the remaining studies (N = 9), most indicated (77.8%) mentally tougher athletes tend to achieve more or perform better.
Conclusion:
Collectively, the results point to mentally tougher athletes’ superior levels of success. The findings are discussed alongside the limitations associated with this part of the current MT in sport literature, with several important areas outlined for scholars to consider and pursue when conducting future research.