Development and validation of a trait measure of robustness of self-confidence

ObjectivesRobust confidence beliefs (the ability to maintain confidence beliefs in the face of adversity) have been highlighted as an important characteristic that contributes to the make up of mentally tough athletes. The purpose of the present set of studies was to develop such a measure.DesignThree studies are reported that chart the development of a measure of Trait Robustness of Self-Confidence (i.e., the ability to maintain confidence in the face of disconfirming experiences).MethodStudy 1 developed a 12-item inventory that was subjected to single-factor confirmatory factor analysis used in an exploratory fashion.ResultsThe factor structure of the resultant eight-item inventory (TROSCI) was consistent across both male and female athletes (S–B χ2 (20) = 29.75; CFI = .98; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .03). The single-factor structure of the eight-item inventory was confirmed in a second study that demonstrated structural (S–B χ2 (20) = 29.36; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .05; SRMR = .04) and convergent validity (S–B χ2 (188) = 244.83; CFI = .98; RMSEA = .05; SRMR = .06) with Vealey’s TSCI. Finally, Study 3 demonstrated the predictive validity of TROSCI; high TROSC athletes were associated with more stable self-confidence levels prior to competition. Further, athletes with high TROSC levels managed to maintain higher state self-confidence levels than those with low TROSC levels.ConclusionsResults support the view of robust confidence beliefs and highlight other factors that may play a moderating role.

Research highlights
► Robust, Resilient, Self-efficacy, Self-confidence, Mental toughness.