Key research themes
1. How do coaching behaviors and psychological need support influence athlete mental health and well-being?
This theme focuses on the impact of coaches' interpersonal behaviors—particularly needs-supportive versus controlling styles—on athletes’ psychological needs satisfaction and mental health outcomes such as burnout and vitality. Understanding these dynamics is critical as coaching behaviors directly contribute to athletes’ well-being, motivation, and resilience to stress.
2. What interpersonal dynamics characterize the coach-athlete relationship, and how do attachment and empathy theories extend our understanding?
Research within this theme investigates the complex interpersonal qualities of coach-athlete relationships, applying psychological frameworks such as attachment theory, empathic understanding, and interdependence theory. This provides nuanced insight into relational closeness, trust, behavioral complementarity, and co-orientation, highlighting how these contribute to relationship quality, athletes’ satisfaction, and motivation.
3. How do the broader interpersonal and environmental contexts involving parents and multidisciplinary staff influence the coach-athlete relationship and athlete experiences?
This theme examines the broader social ecosystem surrounding athletes, including triadic dynamics among coach, athlete, and parent; challenges in athlete relationships with multidisciplinary coaching teams; and how these systemic factors impact athlete motivation, development, and cohesion.