Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Carolyn G. King

Abstract

Mental health in adolescents is a growing concern, with between 10 and 20% experiencing problems globally. In this study, transformational leadership coaching was assessed to determine if it effectively reduced the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents by assessing their mental toughness. No previous studies have examined the relationship between these variables in this population. Transformational leadership theory is the theoretical framework for this study which empowers individuals, developing confidence and producing leadership qualities. Mental toughness is a six-factor construct consisting of life and emotional control, commitment, challenge, interpersonal confidence, and confidence in one's abilities and assessed using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48 test (MTQ48). A quasi-experimental design was used to analyze secondary data on 96 adolescent cricket players from a London school, 43 coached in a traditional manner, and 56 in a transformational leadership way. Participants completed an MTQ48 pre- and post-6-week coaching intervention. A mixed-methods ANOVA was conducted for all mental toughness factors and a multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess if group assignment, baseline total score, competitive playing level and age serve as predictors of the final total score. Results displayed significance in improved mental toughness and emotional control in the experimental group. All other factors, except challenge, showed signs of improvement. This study shows that using transformational leadership coaching can lead to positive social change by improving overall mental toughness and emotional control in adolescents, developing their ability to respond positively to challenges and improving their overall mental well-being.

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