Vol. 6, No. 1 January 2025
E-ISSN: 2723 - 6692
P-ISSN: 2723 - 6595
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Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Sains, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 44
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Self-efficacy; Mental
Toughness; Peak Performance
This research explores the influence of self-efficacy and mental
toughness on the peak performance of U-16 football athletes from
KONI Bekasi City. The research addresses the problem of
inconsistent performance among young athletes, often attributed
to a lack of psychological readiness, such as confidence and
resilience. The objective of this study is to examine the extent to
which these psychological factors contribute to peak performance.
Using a quantitative research method, data were collected from 21
athletes aged 12–16 years through Likert-scale instruments
tailored to measure self-efficacy, mental toughness, and peak
performance. The results reveal significant positive correlations:
self-efficacy influences peak performance with a correlation of r
= 0.943, while mental toughness has a correlation of r = 0.940.
Together, these factors explain 97% of the variance in peak
performance (r = 0.985). This research highlights the critical role
of self-efficacy and mental toughness in optimizing athletic
performance, emphasizing the need for early psychological
development in athletes. The findings provide valuable insights
for coaches and sports institutions to design training programs that
enhance both mental and physical preparation.
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Introduction
Sports encompass activities that engage the entire body, including the legs, torso, arms,
head, and other interconnected body parts, to achieve specific targets. Engaging in sports is a daily
necessity for maintaining both physical and mental health; it can make individuals fit, healthy, and
strong. Moreover, sports can be a field of dedication that leads to significant achievements
(Raynaldi et al., 2019).
Football is one of the most popular sports among the Indonesian populace, spanning from
children to adults. However, the high enthusiasm for football in Indonesia is not reflected in the
achievements of the Indonesian National Football Team in various prestigious tournaments. This
discrepancy arises because football demands more skills from players than many other sports. As
Analysis of Self-Efficacy and Mental Toughness on Peak Performance in U-16
Football Athletes of Koni, Bekasi City
Angelina Hutomo
Global Prestasi School, Indonesia
Email: angelinahu[email protected]m
Correspondence: angelinahuto[email protected]
*
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a team sport, football involves numerous complex factors, including physical attributes, tactics,
strategy, and stamina. Beyond physical aspects, recent developments in sports reveal the substantial
role of psychological factors in achieving peak performance. Herani (2018) posits that an athlete's
performance is determined by four key factors: skill, physical attributes, and psychological factors.
Research conducted by Lina Agustin (2019) examined the relationship between self-efficacy
and peak performance among athletes in Malang. The study, which involved a sample of 68 athletes
from the Sultan Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, demonstrated a positive and
significant correlation between self-efficacy and peak performance. The findings indicated a
significance value of r = 0.821, which surpasses the critical value at a 5% significance level (0.821
> 0.094). This suggests that as self-efficacy increases, peak performance also tends to rise.
Furthermore, research by Muhammad Sapta (2022) revealed a significant relationship between
independent variables—namely mental toughness and self-efficacy—and the dependent variable
of peak performance. The study included a sample of 103 athletes from Yogyakarta State
University (UNY), showing a correlation coefficient of r = 0.902, which also exceeds the critical
value at a 5% significance level (0.902 > 0.094). This indicates that at a significance level of 81.3,
higher mental toughness and self-efficacy among football players correlate with elevated peak
performance, and vice versa.
According to Williams (in Prambayu, 2017), peak performance is the extraordinary strength
displayed when an athlete can optimally showcase their physical and mental abilities. Achieving
peak performance does not necessarily equate to victory. Every athlete can reach peak performance
through their inherent skills and optimal training; however, this does not determine the outcome of
a competition.
Based on observations in the field and interviews with coaches of junior football athletes
from KONI Bekasi City, it has been noted that athletes often lack confidence when facing
opponents, especially upon hearing that rival teams frequently win major competitions.
Additionally, a recurring issue among athletes is the inability to demonstrate their best abilities
during practice and matches, which in turn reflects their peak performance. Peak performance itself
is described as a magical state where physical and mental faculties align in harmonious synergy
(William & Krane, in Agus Setiawan, 2021). Setiawan (2021) further defines peak performance as
the optimum display achieved by an athlete. Similarly, Schneider, Bugental, and Pierson (2010),
in Utama, (2020) characterize peak performance as a perfect condition where thoughts and muscles
move in unison. It can be said that peak performance reveals latent abilities expressed through
skills in athletic contexts, artistic expression, physical strength, intellectual prowess, interpersonal
communication, moral courage, and many other extraordinary activities. The significant role of
psychological factors can enhance an athlete's performance during competitions, as these
psychological elements serve as drivers or navigators of athletic performance.
Self-efficacy is defined as a positive sense of one's capability, allowing individuals to
demonstrate their abilities optimally (Komarudin, 2021). Individuals with high self-efficacy strive
to overcome challenges and difficult situations, while those with low self-efficacy tend to give up
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more quickly (Maryam, 2018). Generally, self-efficacy is assessed through confidence and is
believed to correlate positively with athletic performance.
Self-efficacy embodies a sense of capability that, when positively harnessed, enables an
individual to showcase their skills optimally. As a result, it fosters a belief in one’s ability to
perform and encourages individuals to give their best to achieve their desired outcomes. In
agreement with Bandura (Ambarwati & Fitriasari, 2021), self-efficacy aids individuals in
determining and attaining their expected goals and results. However, self-efficacy does not simply
arise on its own; it is influenced by several aspects. Bandura (Putri & Fakhruddiana, 2019)
highlights the following factors that affect self-efficacy: 1) past performance experiences; 2)
vicarious experiences; 3) social persuasion; and 4) emotional states. Furthermore, Bandura (Putri
& Fakhruddiana, 2018) notes that self-efficacy can be evaluated based on several aspects,
including: 1) the degree of overcoming difficulties; 2) generality, or the scope of behaviors; and 3)
strength, or the confidence in one's abilities.
Mental toughness is defined as an individual's capacity to create and enhance performance,
both subjectively and objectively, even under challenging circumstances, while managing stress,
anxiety, and decision-making related to competitive situations (Crust, 2018). Football athletes with
high mental toughness tend to regulate negative emotions, exhibit greater self-confidence, and
mitigate anxiety experienced during matches. The higher an individual's mental toughness, the
lower their level of anxiety. Furthermore, the more an athlete is able to maintain a positive attitude
under pressure, the less anxiety they experience when facing competition (Hossein-Nejad-Ariani
et al., 2019).
Mental toughness enables a football athlete to remain relaxed, composed, and motivated, as
it facilitates the development of two key skills: channelling positive energy, such as achieving
success and overcoming difficulties, and adopting a mindset that disregards problems, pressure,
mistakes, and competition during a match (Abi Usman, (2023). Mental toughness comprises a
collection of psychological attributes that distinguish exceptional football athletes, observable
during both training and competition. The presence of mental toughness in football athletes
manifests as remarkable persistence, even when there appears to be no objective hope of winning
a match (Gunarsa, in Syamsudin, 2020).
Research emphasizes that peak performance in athletes is a multifaceted phenomenon
influenced by physical, tactical, and psychological elements. For instance, Herani (2018) identified
skill, physical readiness, and mental attributes as key determinants of an athlete's success.
Similarly, studies by Agustin (2019) and Sapta (2022) demonstrated that self-efficacy and mental
toughness significantly impact athletic performance. Agustin's study on Malang-based athletes
revealed a strong correlation between self-efficacy and peak performance, with a correlation
coefficient of r = 0.821. Meanwhile, Sapta's research involving Yogyakarta athletes further
supported these findings, establishing a correlation of r = 0.902 between mental toughness and
performance. Despite these insights, limited research focuses on adolescent athletes, especially in
specific regions like Bekasi, where psychological factors might vary based on local socio-cultural
dynamics.
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This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the combined effects of self-efficacy and
mental toughness on the peak performance of U-16 football athletes in Bekasi. Observational data
and interviews with local coaches highlight recurring issues among these athletes, including low
confidence when facing stronger opponents and inconsistent performance during competitions.
These challenges point to deficiencies in key psychological attributes necessary for optimal
performance. Williams (2017) underscores that peak performance is not merely about winning but
achieving a harmonious alignment of physical and mental capabilities, allowing athletes to perform
at their best under any circumstances.
The novelty of this research lies in its focus on adolescent athletes within a specific
demographic context, examining how psychological attributes—often overlooked at this
developmental stage—impact performance. By comparing findings with previous studies and
leveraging a unique dataset collected from KONI Bekasi City athletes, this research provides a
localized understanding of how self-efficacy and mental toughness contribute to peak performance.
Additionally, it introduces adapted measurement tools tailored to the sport of football, enhancing
the precision of psychological assessments.
Based on the exposition provided above, the researcher proposed the following hypotheses
for this study: Ha1, "There is a significant influence of self-efficacy on peak performance in
football athletes;" Ha2, "There is a significant influence of mental toughness on peak performance
in football athletes;" and Ha3, "There is a significant influence of self-efficacy and mental
toughness on peak performance in football athletes."
Research Methods
This research employs a quantitative approach, which tests hypotheses to determine the effect
of independent variables on dependent variables using statistical methods and measurable data,
resulting in conclusions that can be generalized. The population in this research consists of U-16
football athletes aged between 12 and 16 years, comprising a total of 21 individuals. Sukardi (2018)
suggests that the research population is the group of subjects from which the results of the study
will be generalized. The sampling technique utilized is total sampling. Sugiyono (2018) states that
total sampling is a technique that involves selecting all members of the population for the study
sample. The variables in this study include self-efficacy and mental toughness as independent
variables, with peak performance as the dependent variable, and U-16 KONI Bekasi City football
athletes as the study sample. This research is conducted over a period of 5 months, starting from
July 2023 to December 2023, at the Gor Prima Harapan Regency Field.
The measurement tool employed is a Likert scale for data collection. The self-efficacy
scale is based on Bandura's framework, adapted by the researcher, and encompasses aspects such
as self-assessment, assertiveness, and willingness. The total number of adapted scale items is 20,
consisting of 7 items for self-assessment, 7 items for assertiveness, and 6 items for willingness.
The measurement scale used for the research variables is the Likert scale. According to Arikunto
(2019), the Likert scale is used to measure attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of individuals or
groups regarding social phenomena or events. The Likert scale employed ranges from 1 to 5, where
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for positive statements, 1 (Never), 2 (Sometimes), 3 (Occasionally), 4 (Often), and 5 (Always) are
assigned; for negative statements, the scale is reversed: 1 (Always), 2 (Often), 3 (Occasionally), 4
(Sometimes), and 5 (Never).
The mental toughness scale is based on Al Gani (2018), which the researcher also adapted.
It includes aspects such as sports awareness, tough attitude, thriving through challenges, and desire
for success. The total number of adapted items for this scale is 20, with 5 items each for sports
awareness, tough attitude, thriving through challenges, and desire for success.
The peak performance scale is derived from Garfield and Bennett (in Williams, 2019),
which identifies five specific aspects experienced by athletes during peak performance: mental
relaxation, physical relaxation, optimism, being present-focused, and high energy. The total
number of adapted items for this scale is 20, consisting of 4 items for mental relaxation, 4 items
for physical relaxation, 4 items for optimism, 4 items for being present-focused, and 4 items for
high energy.
The analysis conducted includes descriptive and hypothesis testing. Descriptive statistics
aim to obtain standard deviation values, means, minimum scores, maximum scores, and frequency
distributions. The results are categorized into three levels: low, moderate, and high. After the data
is collected from the measurements, the next step involves analyzing this data using IBM SPSS
software version 22. Normality testing is performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, along with
linearity testing. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis is employed to determine the
magnitude of the correlation between X1 and Y, as well as X2 and Y. Meanwhile, multiple
correlation analysis is utilized to assess the collective correlation between X1, X2, and Y, with a
significance level set at α = 0.05.
Results and Discussion
To test the hypotheses proposed in this study, the researcher utilized multiple correlation
techniques, following normality assumption testing as a prerequisite for correlation analysis.
Additionally, descriptive analysis was conducted to ascertain the frequency distribution of data for
each variable. The results of the normality tests indicated that self-efficacy (Sig 0.243), mental
toughness (Sig 0.422), and peak performance (Sig 0.489) were normally distributed. Furthermore,
the results of the linearity deviation test (Sig 0.213) indicate that there is a linear relationship
between self-efficacy, mental toughness, and peak performance.
After performing the normality prerequisite test, the next step involved descriptive analysis
to determine the frequency distribution of data for each variable. The descriptive analysis for each
of the variables examined is presented below:
Table 1. Descriptive Analysis Test
Self-Efficacy
Mental
Toughness
N
Valid
20
20
Mean
83.30
84.05
Median
84.00
84.50
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Mode
82
82
a
Std. Deviation
7.292
7.207
Variance
53.168
51.954
Range
30
30
Minimum
63
65
Maximum
93
95
Percentiles
25
81.25
81.25
50
84.00
84.50
75
88.75
90.00
Source: Processed data, 2025
The results of the hypothesis testing for the correlation between self-efficacy and peak
performance (see Table 2), the correlation between mental toughness and peak performance (see
Table 3), and the correlation between self-efficacy and mental toughness with peak performance
(see Table 4) are presented below.
Table 2. Correlation Between Self-Efficacy and Peak Performance
Variable
N
M±SD
Pearson Correlation
Sig. (2-tailed)
Self-Efficacy with Athlete
Performance
20
83.30±7.292
0.943**
0.000
Note: N: Subject, M: Mean, SD: standard deviation
Source: Processed data, 2025
Based on Table 2, the Pearson correlation coefficient is (r = 0.943, Sig = 0.000 < 0.05),
indicating a significant correlation between self-efficacy and peak performance, with a high
correlation magnitude (Sugiyono. 2018)
Table 3. Correlation of Mental Toughness with Peak Performance
Variable
N
M±SD
Pearson Correlation
Sig. (2-tailed)
Mental Toughness with
Athlete Performance
20
84.05±7.207
0.940**
0.000
Note: N: Subject, M: Mean, SD: standard deviation
Source: Processed data, 2025
Based on Table 3, the Pearson correlation coefficient is (r = 0.940, Sig = 0.000 < 0.05),
indicating a significant correlation between mental toughness and peak performance, with a high
correlation magnitude (Sugiyono, 2019).
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Table 4. Correlation of Self-Efficacy and Mental Toughness with Peak Performance
Source: Processed data, 2025
Based on Table 4, the multiple correlation coefficient between self-efficacy and mental
toughness with athletes' peak performance is (r = 0.985, Sig = 0.001 < 0.05) and R Square = 0.970,
indicating that the magnitude of the correlation falls within the high category.
The results of the correlation test between self-efficacy and athletes' peak performance
yield (r = 0.943, Sig = 0.000 < 0.05), which indicates a significant correlation of 94.3% between
self-efficacy and peak performance, while 5.7% is influenced by other unexamined variables. Thus,
it can be interpreted that self-efficacy positively impacts sports with competitive team
characteristics, such as football and futsal. Research by LaForge-MacKenzie and Sullivan (2014)
reported a moderate correlation between self-efficacy and sports performance. Other studies
found that self-efficacy correlates with peak performance, indicating that game knowledge,
strategic skills, decision-making abilities, communication, and in-game control significantly
improve (Guillén & Feltz, 2011; Karacam & Adiguzel, 2019; Karaçam & Pulur, 2017).
Furthermore, self-efficacy in sports leads to better decision-making, enhanced performance, and
reduced stress during competitions. In this study, self-efficacy contributes to higher performance
in football athletes, facilitating better offensive and defensive plays and optimizing technical and
tactical execution (Argudo-Iturriaga et al., 2020; García-Naveira, 2018). Additionally, the strength
of this research lies in the modified self-efficacy instrument specifically designed for football,
enhancing the validity and accuracy of the measurements. Consequently, this study emphasizes
that the psychological factor of self-efficacy correlates strongly with athletes' peak performance in
football.
The correlation test results between mental toughness and athletes' performance yielded (r
= 0.940, Sig = 0.006 < 0.05), indicating a significant correlation of 94% between mental toughness
and peak performance, while 6% is influenced by other unexamined variables. Mental toughness
effectively reduces stress levels and maximizes performance (Crust et al., 2014). Additionally,
research by Haghighi and Gerber (2019) found that higher levels of mental toughness among high
school and college students are associated with a decrease in depression symptoms arising from
pressure situations. Emotionally resilient individuals can manage stress effectively (Lin et al.,
2017). While mental toughness contributes to performance in sports, Cowden (2016) noted that
this contribution also depends on specific situations, such as high-pressure scenarios that typically
increase anxiety levels—such as during penalty kicks, trailing in scores, being unable to thwart the
Model Summary
Model
R
R Square
Adjusted R
Square
Std. Error of the
Estimate
Sig. (2-
tailed)
1
0.985
a
0.970
460
1.279
0.001
a. Predictors: (Constant), X
1
, X
2
dengan Y
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opponent's attack, or failing to score. In such situations, the psychological factor of mental
toughness is crucial for athletes to determine their success rate (Cowden, 2017).
The results of the multiple correlation analysis between self-efficacy and mental toughness
with athletes' performance yield (r = 0.970, Sig = 0.001 < 0.05) indicate a significant correlation
of 97% between self-efficacy and peak performance, while 3% is influenced by other unexamined
variables. High mental toughness enables athletes to cope with stress and depression during
competitions, thus establishing mental toughness as a key predictor for athletes to showcase their
best performance (Cowden, 2017). Consequently, this study emphasizes that the psychological
factors of self-efficacy and mental toughness significantly impact the performance of football
athletes during competitions.
The researcher also conducted interviews with expert sources, including the Head Coach of
Dewa United, Stevanus Sirey, and Agung Indra Perkasa, a coach at Global Prestasi School. Coach
Agung specifically remarked that mental toughness greatly influences U-16 athletes, as readiness
for prestigious competitions requires not only exceptional skills but also a strong mental
foundation. From experience, athletes with robust mental resilience tend to achieve better
performance. Coach Stevanus Sirey similarly stated that while mental toughness is crucial, other
factors, such as self-efficacy, must also be present to attain peak performance. Thus, it can be
concluded that both experts share the view that achieving peak performance necessitates
disciplined training reinforced by self-efficacy and mental toughness. This supports the previously
outlined correlation results.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that self-efficacy and mental toughness significantly influence the
peak performance of U-16 football athletes in KONI Bekasi City. The findings reveal that self-
efficacy, as measured through aspects like confidence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome
challenges, positively correlates with an athlete's ability to perform optimally during matches.
Similarly, mental toughness, which encompasses resilience, stress management, and maintaining
focus under pressure, plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance.
The research results indicate that self-efficacy contributes 94.3% to peak performance, while
mental toughness accounts for 94%, with a combined effect of 97%. These findings underscore the
importance of psychological factors in achieving athletic success, as they significantly outweigh
other unexamined variables. Athletes with higher self-efficacy and mental toughness demonstrated
better technical execution, strategic decision-making, and emotional regulation, which are critical
for competitive sports like football.
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