Coach and Athlete Burnout - West Virginia University

Burnout 33
served as a dependent variable for each t-test conducted. No significant differences were
found between males and females on any of the burnout subscales.
To examine differences in burnout between coaches categorized as using high
versus low levels of democratic or autocratic decision-making behaviors, six additional
independent t-tests were utilized. Three t-test analyses were computed for each decision-
making style, one for each of the three burnout subscales serving as the dependent
variable. Collegiate swimming coaches’ scores on their perceived autocratic and
democratic decision-making behavior subscales of the LSS were recoded into either high
or low perceptions. A median split was used to determine if scores were categorized as
high or low. Those scores above the median were classified as a high perception and
those below classified as a low perception. No significant differences were found on any
of the three burnout subscales between those coaches classified as using a high or low
degree of democratic or autocratic decision-making behaviors. This finding is consistent
with the absence of relationships found between coaches’ perceptions of their decision-
making style and their reported burnout.
DISCUSSION
The primary purpose of the present research was to investigate the influence that
coaching behaviors can have on burnout in coaches and athletes. In particular, the
relationship between perception of coaches’ decision-making style and burnout among
collegiate swimmers and swimming coaches was examined. Previous research has
suggested that coaches utilizing a democratic decision-making style may be more likely
to experience burnout. Conversely, a democratic style of decision-making may help
protect athletes from burning out. Further, an autocratic decision-making style may keep