Development of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Maintenance Questionnaire (CARM-Q)

Abstract

This study developed and gained initial evidence for the reliability and validity of a measure of the use of maintenance strategies within the coach-athlete relationship (coach-athlete relationship maintenance questionnaire: CARM-Q). In study one, 50 items were generated based on Rhind and Jowett's COMPASS model, which suggests that conflict management, openness, motivation, positivity, advice, support, and social networks are key strategies for maintaining the quality of coach-athlete relationships. The content validity of these items was established using an expert panel. The items were then administered to 251 participants (146 athletes and 105 coaches). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the latent underlying structure. A 28 item measure was created with 7 sub-scales measuring: conflict management, openness, motivational, preventative, assurance, support, and social network strategies. Initial evidence for the internal consistency and criterion validity of the CARM-Q was found. In study two, the CARM-Q was administered to an independent sample of 212 coaches and athletes. Further statistical support for the structural validity of the new measure was found. Future research directions are considered and the contribution that this research can make to coach and athlete education programs is discussed.