The Causes of Burnout among Individual and Group Athletes from the Trainers' Perspective

This study aimed to identify the causes of burnout among individual and group athletes from the trainers' perspective. The sample consisted of 16 trainers and coaches from national teams for both individual and team sports: 15 coaches and 1 trainer. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, consisting of 37 items distributed across five axes: pressures of the sports training process, pressures of sports competition, pressure from the sports coach, and external pressures (athlete's lifestyle and environmental factors). The results showed that the causes of burnout in individual athletes, from the coaches' perspective, were rated at an average level overall, with the following order of importance: pressure from the sports coach, the athlete's lifestyle, environmental factors, sports competition, and sports training. In contrast, the causes of burnout for team athletes were rated at a high level overall, listed in this order: pressure from the sports coach, sports competition, environmental factors, sports training, and the athlete's lifestyle. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the causes of burnout between individual and group athletes from the trainers' perspective based on training experience. However, there were statistically significant differences in the causes of burnout between individual and group athletes based on the type of sport practiced, favoring players in group sports. The researchers recommend reducing burnout levels in both individual and group athletes by identifying the causes and addressing them. It is also suggested to select qualified trainers who are physically, psychologically, and emotionally capable of training national teams for both individual and team sports. Additionally, group coaches should pay more attention to all players on the team based on their positions, considering the abilities and needs of the athletes, while also prioritizing the psychological preparation of the players.