QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE PROCESS OF BURNOUT IN ATHLETES
QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE PROCESS OF BURNOUT IN ATHLETES
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Issue Date
2000
Authors
Carlson, Erika
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Abstract
This study explores burnout experiences in athletes. Research questions included symptoms of burnout that participants experienced, the affect that burnout had on them, their careers, and other parts of their lives. They were also asked about their dedication to their sport following burnout, if they returned to their sport following burnout, and if they experienced over training and/or staleness in their training and competition. Participants were also asked questions to reveal whether they had resilient or hardy characteristics. A qualitative approach was used with four subjects, one of which had two separate burnout experiences in two different sports. Participants were self-described burnout victims. The researcher using an interview guide conducted interviews. Results revealed that each burnout experience is unique. Different sports offered different challenges in training and competing. Each participant experienced different levels of mental and physical stress. Some participants were found to be more resilient and hardy than others. Future research needs to be conducted to help define burnout. Burnout research cannot really move forward until it is clearly defined and a standard definition is agreed upon. More studies need to be conducted specifically on burnout in athletes.