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Adolescent Mental Toughness Questionnaire (aMTQ10): development, validation and norms
Andrew Denovan1, Kenneth Graham Drinkwater2, Amanda Vernalls3
1School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Psychology
|July 8, 2026
Summary
This study validated the adolescent Mental Toughness Questionnaire 10 (aMTQ10) for use with secondary school students. The aMTQ10 is a reliable tool for assessing mental toughness and supporting adolescent psychological development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Mental toughness (MT) is linked to well-being and academic success.
- The Mental Toughness Questionnaire 10 (MTQ10) is an abridged version of the MTQ48.
- Adolescent comprehension of the MTQ10 was not previously assessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate an adolescent version of the MTQ10 (aMTQ10).
- To ensure the aMTQ10 is suitable for use in educational settings with adolescents.
Main Methods:
- An expert panel reviewed item accessibility and made age-appropriate modifications.
- The aMTQ10 was validated using a sample of 5,305 UK secondary school pupils.
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and invariance testing were conducted.
Main Results:
- The aMTQ10 supported a one-factor model with good internal reliability and convergent validity.
- Invariance was found across age and school type, with partial invariance for gender.
- Boys and younger adolescents (13-14) scored higher than girls and older adolescents (14-15). Private school pupils scored higher than state school pupils.
- aMTQ10 scores predicted subjective well-being beyond belongingness.
Conclusions:
- The aMTQ10 is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing adolescent mental toughness in educational settings.
- Established normative data will aid educators in interpreting MT scores and supporting adolescent development.
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