Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationships between a controlling interpersonal style, psychological need thwarting and burnout in adolescent soccer players and to test a structural equation model to analyze whether (a) a controlling interpersonal style is a predictor of psychological need thwarting and whether (b) psychological need thwarting is a predictor of burnout. A total of 103 male soccer players between the ages of 12 and 17 participated in the research (M = 14.91; SD = 5.56). The Controlling Coach Behaviors Scale, the Psychological Need Thwarting Scale, and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire were used to evaluate the variables under study. The analyses revealed significant relationships between a controlling interpersonal style, psychological need thwarting and burnout. Furthermore, the proposed structural equations model, using the partial least squares (PLS) method, showed that a controlling style is a positive predictor of basic psychological need thwarting and that the latter is a predictor of burnout, as well as revealing an indirect relationship between a controlling style and burnout. This indirect effect of the controlling style variable on burnout can be enhanced (or attenuated) by the basic psychological need thwarting variable, which acts as a modulator.
Highlights
Social context has a very important impact on the development of athletes’ motivation and well-being [1,2,3]
A structural equation model was tested to determine whether (a) a controlling interpersonal style is a predictor of psychological need thwarting and whether (b) psychological need thwarting is a predictor of burnout
In another study by Castillo et al [32], similar relationships were found between interpersonal control style and basic psychological need thwarting; in this study, each need was analyzed separately, and it was observed that a controlling style had significant predictive power for the thwarting of each of them and that these in turn acted as positive predictors of burnout
Summary
Social context has a very important impact on the development of athletes’ motivation and well-being [1,2,3]. Agents such as parents or coaches can significantly influence the sport experience, turning it into something positive or negative. It is appropriate to monitor external variables that could determine the way in which sport is experienced [4,5,6,7] Factors such as putting excessive pressure on athletes to achieve good results or failing to foster the enjoyment of physical activity can even lead them to abandon sports practice [8]. Among the theoretical frameworks available to evaluate this issue, one of the most currently influential approaches that has been used to study motivation in sport is Self-Determination
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
