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1- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,zdashtbzrgi@gmail.com
2- Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,
Abstract: (22 Views)
Background. Athlete burnout is a critical psychological syndrome influenced by both individual capabilities and environmental factors.
Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the association of psychological flexibility and coach support with athlete burnout, specifically focusing on the mediating role of sports self-efficacy.
Methods. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling. The statistical population comprised male athletes in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2025. Using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a sample of 300 athletes was selected. Data were collected using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire, and the Sport Self-Efficacy Questionnaire.
Results. The findings indicated that psychological flexibility (β = −0.18, p = 0.001) and coach support (β = −0.19, p = 0.001) had significant negative direct effects on athlete burnout, while demonstrating significant positive direct effects on sports self-efficacy (psychological flexibility: β = 0.31, p = 0.001; coach support: β = 0.43, p = 0.001). Sports self-efficacy directly and negatively predicted athlete burnout (β = −0.20, p = 0.001). The structural model showed excellent fit (χ²/df = 1.58, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.027) and confirmed that sports self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationships (psychological flexibility → sports self-efficacy → burnout: β = −0.06, p = 0.032; coach support → sports self-efficacy → burnout: β = −0.09, p = 0.015).
Conclusion. Fostering psychological flexibility and enhancing perceived coach support can significantly increase athletes’ self-efficacy, which in turn serves as a protective mechanism against burnout. Implementing psychological interventions and supportive coaching strategies is highly recommended to sustain athletes’ mental health and performance.
Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the association of psychological flexibility and coach support with athlete burnout, specifically focusing on the mediating role of sports self-efficacy.
Methods. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling. The statistical population comprised male athletes in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2025. Using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a sample of 300 athletes was selected. Data were collected using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire, and the Sport Self-Efficacy Questionnaire.
Results. The findings indicated that psychological flexibility (β = −0.18, p = 0.001) and coach support (β = −0.19, p = 0.001) had significant negative direct effects on athlete burnout, while demonstrating significant positive direct effects on sports self-efficacy (psychological flexibility: β = 0.31, p = 0.001; coach support: β = 0.43, p = 0.001). Sports self-efficacy directly and negatively predicted athlete burnout (β = −0.20, p = 0.001). The structural model showed excellent fit (χ²/df = 1.58, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.027) and confirmed that sports self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationships (psychological flexibility → sports self-efficacy → burnout: β = −0.06, p = 0.032; coach support → sports self-efficacy → burnout: β = −0.09, p = 0.015).
Conclusion. Fostering psychological flexibility and enhancing perceived coach support can significantly increase athletes’ self-efficacy, which in turn serves as a protective mechanism against burnout. Implementing psychological interventions and supportive coaching strategies is highly recommended to sustain athletes’ mental health and performance.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
The current results suggest several actionable strategies for coaches and sports psychologists:
APPLICABLE REMARKS
The current results suggest several actionable strategies for coaches and sports psychologists:
- Implement Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- based workshops to enhance athletes’ psychological flexibility, with a particular focus on accepting negative thoughts during high-pressure competitions.
- Coach education programs should emphasize autonomy-supportive behaviors measured by the CART-Q (e.g., fostering closeness through empathetic listening, commitment via consistent goal alignment, and complementarity through collaborative training decisions).
- Targeted interventions to build sports self-efficacy, such as mastery experiences and verbal persuasion, should be integrated into routine training.
- Regular monitoring of burnout symptoms, combined with assessments of the coach-athlete relationship, is recommended to identify at-risk athletes early.
- Ultimately, integrating these internal and external resources can help build resilient athletes capable of thriving under the rigorous demands of competitive sports.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Sport Psychology and its Related Branches
Received: 2026/06/14 | Accepted: 2027/01/12
Received: 2026/06/14 | Accepted: 2027/01/12
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