The Effects of Social Support on Athlete Burnout and Well-Being in Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Context: Psychological concerns, such as athlete burnout and diminished well-being, have become a more recognized problem among collegiate student-athletes due to substantial demands. The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) an association exists between athlete burnout and well-being in female collegiate student-athletes and (2) social support has a main or buffering-effect on well-being and athlete burnout. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: 174 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female collegiate student-athletes were recruited from a single institution to participate. A web-based survey was distributed via Qualtrics during the middle of an academic semester. The following scales were utilized to evaluate social support, athlete burnout, and well-being: Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Warwick Edinburgh Metal Well-Being Scale. Results: Correlation analyses presented a significant negative, moderate correlation (r = −.58, P < .001) between athlete burnout and well-being as well as between social support and athlete burnout (r = −.526, P < .001). A moderate, positive correlation was identified between social support and well-being (r = .604, P < .001). Social support was a significant predictor for reduced sense of accomplishment (F1,172 = 68.32, P < .001), physical and emotional exhaustion (F1,172 = 22.00, P < .001), sport devaluation (F1,172 = 56.51, P < .001), and well-being (F1,172 = 115.3, P < .001). Conclusion: Findings provide new information on theory-based considerations for reducing athlete burnout and improving well-being in female collegiate student-athletes.