Burnout in athletes : a cross-sectional analysis of a college population

Burnout is a growing concern in many areas of life. This manuscript first outlines the history occupational burnout. Research as it pertains to burnout in sport is then discussed, with an emphasis on broad conceptual models of burnout. The rationale for the current study is then given. First, previous research as shown that the longer one has been on the job the greater the likelihood of burnout (Pines & Maslach, 1978; Mor & Lalibaerte, 1984; Turnipseed, 1994). Therefore, Hypothesis I was that seniors were more likely to experience burnout than freshmen. Second, Smith (1986) and Coakley (1992) have maintained that athletes participating in coacting sports are more likely to experience burnout than those in interacting sports. Hypothesis 2 tested this assertion. Third, the role of emotional affect and burnout was examined. Hypothesis 3 stated that athletes with high positive affect are more likely to have lower burnout scores, while those with high negative affect are more likely to have higher burnout scores. The present study examined burnout in college athletes (N=216). The Eades Athlete Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used to measure affect. Contrary to predictions, seniors reported lower burnout scores than any other year in school F (18, 580) = 1.67, p= .04. Also, there was no difference in burnout rates between coacting and interacting sports F (1, 213) = 1.96, p = .16. Finally, high positive affect scores were associated with low burnout scores E (1, 104) = 57.27, p <.001. Conversely, high negative affect scores were associated with high burnout scores F (1, 110) = 72.83, p < .001. The implications of these findings are also discussed.