ABSTRACT
Two developments in academic psychology were emerging to put the idea of positive mental attitude (PMA) into a more formal and theoretical context. One was the fundamental redrawing of the parameters of psychology itself, resulting in the development of positive psychology, the other was a revisiting and development of an old idea in sport psychology – mental toughness. Non-psychologists quite rightly become frustrated and confused when psychologists use different names for psychological constructs which appear to be the same or very similar. Positive psychology, mental toughness, self-efficacy, self-belief, self-regulation, hardiness and resilience appear to be examples of this. The challenge for the sport psychology practitioner is to ensure that performers reconnect with their competence; this is how deep, robust self-belief is built. Without belief, many would see only the prospect of not achieving the desired outcomes, that is failure.
