The mediating roles of the challenge appraisal in the relationship between the coach, athlete relationship and adolescent athletes' burnout

PurposeThis study examined the relationships among the coachathlete relationship, challenge appraisal, and athlete burnout in adolescent athletes, with a focus on the mediating role of challenge appraisal.Design/methodology/approachA total of 323 adolescent athletes (231 males, 92 females) participated in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0, and the mediating effects were examined using the bootstrapping method.ResultsFirst, the coachathlete relationship had a significant positive effect on challenge appraisal (β = 0.374, p < 0.001). Second, challenge appraisal negatively influenced athlete burnout (β = −0.173, p < 0.01). Third, the coachathlete relationship had a significant negative effect on athlete burnout (β = −0.210, p < 0.01). Fourth, challenge appraisal partially mediated the relationship between the coachathlete relationship and athlete burnout (indirect effect = −0.079, p < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings provide theoretical insights and practical implications for designing psychological intervention programs aimed at preventing burnout in adolescent athletes. The study also emphasizes the importance of coaching strategies and coach education programs that foster emotionally supportive and motivational environments in sports.