Applications of Mental Toughness in Secondary Education (11+)

Understanding and applying the principles of Mental Toughness with young people at any stage of their education can have a positive impact on a whole variety of factors in their lives:

Academic/exam performance - studies consistently show that around 25% of the variation in a person’s performance in exams can explained by their mental toughness.  Improving mental toughness can lead to better ability scores (verbal, non-verbal & quantitative). This is because the more mentally tough, the more likely a pupil is to do well in exams and the more likely they are absorb learning (before they are more confident and more  in control)

Positive Behaviours - The higher the level of MENTAL TOUGHNESS the more the individual demonstrates positive behaviours. They will adopt a “can do” attitude and there is clear evidence that the higher the level of mental toughness the more likely the student will engage in the class and the school (asking questions, engaging in discussion, etc).

(Anti-) Social Behaviour - Conversely studies with young offenders show that the lower the level of MENTAL TOUGHNESS the more likely the individual will adopt anti-social behaviours. The likely explanation is that these individuals are less able to deal with life’s stressors, pressures and challenges and either respond poorly to those pressures or are more easily influenced by peers.

Transition – The more mentally tough a student the more able they are to manage transition effectively (Junior to Secondary and Secondary to Further and Higher Education) and perform better (in exams) after the transition.

Wellbeing - The higher the level of mental toughness the more the individual is able to deal with the pressures, stressors and challenges of everyday life. This translates into outcomes such as better attendance, less stress and significantly lower reported bullying.

Aspirations - Studies show that the higher the level of mental toughness the greater the level of aspirations of the individual. This is particularly significant in areas of social and economic deprivation where “worklessness” can develop.

Completion/Drop-Out rates -  There is a strong link between mental toughness and the extent to which a student will stick with a programme of study or work and will see it through to a conclusion.

Employability - There is a clear relationship between an individual’s mental toughness and their ability both to get a job and to get the job they want. Individuals who have a higher mental toughness are more competitive.

Developing Life Skills - psychological or emotional resilience and mental toughness is a very important life skill. Development of these particular skills are useful for just about everything else that person is going to have to do in life

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