Understanding Burnout in Chinese Collegiate Athletes: The Role of Goal Orientation and Coach-Athlete Relationships

July 22, 2025 - 08:59

Competitive sport often imposes significant physical and psychological stress, making athlete burnout a primary concern. This mixed-methods study explores the intricate dynamics of goal orientation, coach-athlete relationships, and the prevalence of burnout among Chinese collegiate athletes.

Through a combination of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, researchers aimed to uncover how different types of goal orientation—such as mastery versus performance—affect athletes' mental health and overall well-being. The findings reveal that athletes with a mastery-oriented approach tend to foster stronger, more positive relationships with their coaches, which in turn helps mitigate feelings of burnout. Conversely, those with a performance-oriented mindset often experience heightened stress and dissatisfaction, leading to a greater risk of burnout.

The study underscores the importance of nurturing supportive coach-athlete relationships and promoting healthy goal-setting strategies to enhance athletes' resilience against burnout. As the landscape of competitive sports continues to evolve, understanding these factors becomes crucial for the development of effective support systems in collegiate athletics.