This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT), subjectively perceived performance, and dispositional flow in a sample of 114 high-performing ironmen and standard distance triathletes (Mage = 28.81 years, SD = 3.45) recruited from triathlon clubs. Participants completed the Mental Toughness Questionnaire, Dispositional Flow Scale, and self-rated subjectively perceived performance. Pearson`s correlations between these measures revealed a significant, positive relationship between global MT and subjective performance ratings (r = .62, p < .01) and between global MT and all Dispositional Flow subscales (r = .67-.81, p < .05). Linear regression analyses found that MT subscales accounted for 64% of the variance in dispositional flow. Subjective performance ratings did not add significantly to the regression model. Overall, these findings suggest that MT may contribute positively to ironman competitors` and triathletes` exertion of the cognitive and emotional control necessary to experience flow and perform better. We discuss these results in the context of ironman and triathlon competitions.
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