Athlete Burnout Related to Sports Specialization and the Coach-Athlete Relationship
Date
6-25-2025
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
This project examined the complex challenge of athlete burnout symptoms in young athletes. Because of its complexity, the research focused on the cause-and-effect relationship of sport specialization and the coach-athlete relationship to cross-examine information and data collected in order to provide suggestions for supporting positive athlete development. Athletes completed three separate questionnaires: the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ), and the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) to assess how sport specialization contributed to athlete burnout. Furthermore, the study examined the coach-athlete relationship and highlighted coaching behaviors that positively diminished athlete burnout symptoms. Practical implications examined for athletes, parents, coaches, and sports organizations included promoting balanced training and sport participation, creating supportive athletic environments, and prioritizing long-term athlete development over short-term success. This project offered guidelines to athletes, parents, coaches, and others involved in athletics regarding athlete burnout, sport specialization, and coach-athlete relationships to support the optimal development of young athletes.