The process of burnout among high-performance sport coaches

Abstract

Introduction: High-performance coaches have a highly demanding job and they work inconvenient work hours (e.g., Olusoga et al., 2009; Thelwell et al., 2008b). They are also described as highly motivated for their sport and job (McLean et al., 2012). This combination can put them at risk of experiencing burnout (Pines, 1993). Burnout is a work-related syndrome that develops over time and is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced personal accomplishment (Maslach & Schaufeli, 1993). As of today, longitudinal research conducted to better understand the burnout process within this population is scarce. Aim: Examine (a) whether high-performance coaches experience an increase in burnout over a competitive season and explore associated symptoms, (b) whether the selfdetermination theory process model (Williams et al., 2004) could be a valuable framework to better understand the process of burnout, where both motivational and workload related variables serve as explanatory mechanisms.

Paper I: Bentzen, M., Lemyre, P. N., & Kenttä, G. (2015a). The process of burnout among professional sport coaches explored through the lens of Self-determination theory: A qualitative approach. Sports Coaching Review, 1-16. doi:10.1080/21640629.2015.1035050

Paper II: Bentzen, M., Lemyre, P. N., & Kenttä, G. (in press a). Changes in motivation and burnout indices in high-performance coaches over the course of a competitive season. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. doi: 10.1080/10413200.2015.1053160.

Paper III: Bentzen, M., Lemyre, P. N., & Kenttä, G. (in press b). Development of exhaustion for high performance coaches in association with workload and motivation: A person-centered approach. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.06.004.

Paper IV: Bentzen, M., Lemyre, P. N., & Kenttä, G. (2015b). Ability to meet recovery demands explain differences in burnout in high-performance coaches. In review.