Abstract
An examination of the relationships among perfectionism, perceived coaching behaviors, types of motivation, and burnout in Division I swimmers (N = 501) was conducted. Two conceptual models were hypothesized to account for the possible relationships among variables. Structural equation modeling analyses were conducted to examine the hypothesized models relationships among variables. It was determined that the hypothesized Model B fit best to the data provided by the Division I swimmers. Within Model B, socially prescribed perfectionism had a direct effect to the three forms of least self-determined motivation (i.e., amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation). The excessive personal control subscale for perceived coaching behaviors also had a direct effect to amotivation and introjected regulation. Socially prescribed perfectionism correlated with all four perceived coaching behavior subscales (i.e., controlling use of rewards, excessive personal control, negative conditional regard, intimidation)
Only amotivation and the perceived coaching behavior of excessive personal control had a direct effect to burnout. The data presented supports previous research that has found amotivation to be a potential indicator of burnout (Cresswell & Eklund, 2005a; Cresswell & Eklund, 2005b; Lonsdale, Hodge, & Rose, 2009). However, the current study suggests that perceived coaching behaviors, specifically excessive personal control, might also influence the level of burnout an athlete is experiencing. Further research should be conducted to determine other possible precursors of burnout.
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