Coach and Athlete Burnout - West Virginia University

Burnout 81
more excessive disordered eating patterns and severe fatigue. At its advanced stage an
athlete would evidence cynicism, alienation, and escapist behavior toward their sport.
Other research has echoed some of the signs and symptoms Feigley described.
Physical symptoms also mentioned included fatigue, sleeplessness, headaches, shortness
of breath, and weight fluctuation. Behaviorally, athletes often are seen as easily angered,
frustrated, performing inconsistently, and possibly completely dropping out or
withdrawing from the sport altogether (Fender, 1989; Gould, 1996; Metzler, 2002;
Raedeke at al., 2002; Smith, 1986). Fender (1989) and Gould (1996) further added that
emotionally, those experiencing burnout may feel helpless, depressed, irritable, and
experience negativity towards their sport and other areas of life.
There is also a belief that certain characteristics will increase athlete susceptibility
to these signs and symptoms, and ultimately, burnout. Originally, burnout research
focused on people in the “helping” or “people” professions because of the emotional
investment these professionals made in their clients(Caccese & Mayerberg, 1984; Capel,
Sisley, & Desertrain, 1987; Dale & Weinberg, 1989; Fender, 1989; McCann, 1995;
Vealey et al., 1992). As a result, these people were believed to be at a greater risk of
experiencing burnout. As the phenomenon made its way into the athletic domain, other
sport-related characteristics suggested to increase an individual’s likelihood to experience
burnout were presented.
Perfectionism and overachieving have been linked to burnout as committed
athletes may set unrealistic goals and overexert themselves in the pursuit of them
(Feigley, 1984; Fender, 1989; Henschen, 1998). Gould, Udry, Tuffey, and Loehr (1996)
found burned out athletes experienced higher parental criticism, greater needs for