A Prospective Study of the Influence of Perceived Coaching Style on Burnout Propensity in High Level Young Athletes: Using a Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Aims of the study: The objectives of the present study is to examine relationships between potential causal directions of coaching style, basic psychological needs, quality of motivation; and athlete burnout in high level young athletes. Methods: Data was collected from a sample of 309 handball players of elite training centers. Structural equation modeling procedures were used to evaluate five conceptually driven structural models, intended to test mediation hypothesis. These models showed acceptable fit indices. Findings: Findings indicate that a perceived autonomy supportive coaching style is linked to higher levels of autonomy and competence in athletes, while a perceived controlling coaching style is linked to lower levels of autonomy and relatedness in athletes. Moreover, players reporting lower levels of basic psychological needs fulfilment display higher levels of the less self-determined forms of motivation as well as higher levels of athlete burnout. Finally, players driven by non self-determined forms of motivation are more prone to burnout.