Abstract - The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction on the Effect of Mental Toughness on Self-Esteem in Kickboxing Athletes
Background. Kickboxers’ fitness and peak performance have physical, mental, and social components. Thus, social fitness and mental resilience are equally important because they can interact. As a result, the interaction of mental toughness and social context, life satisfaction, may differ for collectivist cultures and combat sports.
Problem and aim. This study aims to determine the mediating role of life satisfaction on the effect of the mental endurance of kickboxers on their self-esteem.
Methodology. The study group consists of 170 athletes who perform kickboxing in Istanbul. Data is analyzed with structural equation path and correlation analysis.
Results. In line with the research findings, it has been observed that Life Satisfaction has a mediating role on the effect of mental toughness on Self-Esteem in kickboxers. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the seniority of being a licensed athlete and the monthly income from education. It was concluded that as the education level of the athletes increased, the seniority of being a licensed athlete with their monthly income also increased. The regression relationship between monthly income and life satisfaction concluded that the life satisfaction variable is a significant determinant of the monthly income variable.
Conclusions. Sports managers should increase elite kickboxing athletes’ income, increasing life satisfaction. Moreover, education is crucial to kickboxing psychology.