“The zipper effect”: Exploring the interrelationship of mental toughness and self-compassion among Canadian elite women athletes

The findings revealed that self-compassion and mindfulness are worthy of investigation in elite women athletes, particularly with regards to their utility in coping with sport-related adversity and in achieving a mentally tough mindset. Self-compassion and mental toughness are compatible processes that may both require mindfulness, and if used in an effective and complementary balance could create optimal mindsets for the pursuit of athletic success.