International Journal of Sport Management

The Effects of Perceived Autonomy on Affect and Burnout among Sport Coaches

Frode Moen, Kenneth Kyhre, Istvan Moldovan

Abstract: Research suggests that the numbers of coaches who are suffering from burnout symptoms are considerable among coaches in sport. In this study, authors explore the effects of autonomy on positive and negative affect and burnout in a group of Norwegian coaches. A sample of 510 coaches (100 females and 410 males) from different sports such as athletics, cross-country skiing and handball participated in an online survey that documented the Work Climate, Positive- and Negative Affect and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling. The model explained 43% of the variance in cynicism, 33% of the variance in reduced accomplishments, and 16% of the variance in exhaustion. Overall, the results supported that the framework of the self-determination theory can contribute to explaining the coach burnout syndrome through positive and negative affect. Of interest, higher levels of perceived autonomy support and positive affect seemed to be particularly negatively associated with burnout, while lower levels of perceived autonomy support and negative affect were found to be positively associated with burnout. Findings are discussed in relation to theory with an emphasis on applied suggestions to prevent coach burnout.

Keywords: Sport, autonomy, coaches, burnout

Citation: Moen, F., Kyhre, K., & Moldovan, I. (2018). The effects of perceived autonomy on affect and burnout among sport coaches. International Journal of Sport Management, 19(3), 339-359.

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